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, in the event you’ve been to the nation earlier than or need to discover a few of 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 improper! It’s accessible, stunning and excellent to discover in the event 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 a few of the hidden locations in Iceland you may not have considered visiting earlier than. Oh, and as at all times, pop us a message in the event you’re caught or uncertain about any of your plans. We’re at all times completely happy to supply recommendation! Have the very best time visiting Iceland.
1.) Ásbyrgi
Nestled within the North of Iceland, Ásbyrgi (Google Maps pin) is an unlimited glacial canyon that’s fairly straightforward to drive to in the event you’re basing your self in Husavik (a few 45-minute drive away).
Now, the wonderful thing about 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 precipitated in Iceland, and it’s immense to see.
Additionally, in the event 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 method 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 attributable to security) since the latest 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 – 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, examine 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 an entire publish 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 in the event 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 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, in the event 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 actually unbelievable to go to.
Simply you should definitely 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 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 in search of locations somewhat extra off the crushed path.
Certainly one of our favorite hidden locations in Iceland is Kvernufoss. It’s because the paths are rather well maintained and attributable to its ease of entry. You see, you don’t need to be monitoring for days to get to see one sight in Iceland, particularly in the event you’re solely right here for every week or so.
Park up on the Freya Cafe parking area, and also you’ll then have the ability to observe the path that may take you straight to Kvernufoss. Simply be sure 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 certainly one 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 while 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 part 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 value 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 neglect to drive to Gufu waterfall (Google Maps pin), which is completely stunning and simply shy of the city itself. Additionally, be sure 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 certainly one 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 widespread, 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 payment 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 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 need to).
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8.) Hverir
Hverir (Google Maps pin) is certainly one 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 in the event you’re venturing into the lesser-discovered north of the island – and we like it!
After parking (for which there’s a small payment), take a wander round these effervescent vents and sulphur pits. It actually seems like one other planet.
Additionally, in the event you’re driving, be sure 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 a number of 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 correct subsequent to Reykjavik, and so few individuals 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, 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, 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 suggest staying for an evening or two to discover the broader Snaefellsnes Peninsula. We beloved the world round Arnarstapi (Google Maps pin).
Ensure to see the rugged shoreline at Gatklettur (Google Maps pin), and naturally stroll the broader Arnarstapi Cliffs. At all times be cautious with the winds in Iceland and by no means stand too near the sting.
To make issues additional particular, guide this personal 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 a few of the finest locations across the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with a certified information.
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