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 go to! It’s a rustic stuffed with hearth, ice and heaps of attraction! Now, in the event you’ve been to the nation earlier than or wish 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 flawed! It’s accessible, stunning and ideal to discover in the event 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 occasions and travelled the size and breadth of the nation. So, we’ve jotted down among the hidden locations in Iceland you won’t have considered visiting earlier than. Oh, and as all the time, pop us a message in the event you’re caught or not sure about any of your plans. We’re all the time glad to supply recommendation! Have the most effective 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 in the event you’re basing your self in Husavik (a couple of 45-minute drive away).
Now, the beauty of Ásbyrgi is that it’s accessible by automobile. You’ll be able to 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 brought on in Iceland, and it’s immense to see.
Additionally, in the event 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 technique 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 few years, the Fagradalsfjall Volcano has been as energetic as ever, with official trails opening up (and typically closing resulting from security) since the newest 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 – one 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. While you’re in Iceland, verify native recommendation to see if there have been any recent eruptions; this manner, you’ll know when to go (and when to keep away from the world). To make issues simpler, we’ve written a complete publish on the most effective 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 couple of 45-minute drive from the mountain climbing space round Fagradalsfjall and ideal in the event you’re heading again to Reykjvik for the evening. 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 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, in the event 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 truthfully unimaginable to go to.
Simply you should definitely e-book your tickets prematurely 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 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 in the event 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 could’t miss and are completely underrated to go to in the event 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 resulting from its ease of entry. You see, you don’t wish to be monitoring for days to get to see one sight in Iceland, particularly in the event you’re solely right here for per week or so.
Park up on the Freya Cafe parking area, and also you’ll then be capable to observe the path that can take you straight to Kvernufoss. Simply make 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 anticipate any facilities once 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 little thing 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 price visiting in the event 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 overlook to drive to Gufu waterfall (Google Maps pin), which is completely stunning and simply shy of the city itself. Additionally, make 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, and so they’re one in every of our favourites in all of Japanese Iceland.
7.) Kerid Crater
When you’re venturing primarily across the Golden Circle in Iceland, then cease off on the Kerid Crater. It’s fairly in style, 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 charge and also you’ll be capable 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 an effective way to see the world, particularly in the event 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 couple of 45-minute drive from Husavik. It’s one of many hidden locations in Iceland to go to in the event you’re venturing into the lesser-discovered north of the island – and we adore it!
After parking (for which there’s a small charge), take a wander round these effervescent vents and sulphur pits. It truthfully appears like one other planet.
Additionally, in the event you’re driving, make 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 couple of occasions, and on our final go to, we had been there at 1 am in the summertime. It was nonetheless shiny, 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 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 motive, everybody appears to overlook this space of Iceland when visiting for the primary time, however 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 cherished the world 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, e-book this personal Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour from Reykjavik that can 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 finest locations across the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with a professional information.
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