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 lively volcanoes which you’ll be able to go to! It’s a rustic full of fireplace, ice and heaps of allure! Now, if you happen to’ve been to the nation earlier than or need to discover among the hidden locations in Iceland that most individuals miss, then you have to transcend the Golden Circle.
The Golden Circle is nice, don’t get me flawed! It’s accessible, stunning and ideal to discover if you happen to’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 among the hidden locations in Iceland you won’t have considered visiting earlier than. Oh, and as at all times, pop us a message if you happen to’re caught or not sure about any of your plans. We’re at all times joyful 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 if you happen to’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 about in Iceland, and it’s immense to see.
Additionally, if you happen to’re travelling from Akureyri, then ebook this unimaginable day journey tour. This tour features a climbing cease off at Dettifoss for climbing, alongside extra Diamond Circle gems like Husavik, Tjörnes and Goðafoss. It’s the proper option 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 lively as ever, with official trails opening up (and generally closing as a result of 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 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. While you’re in Iceland, test 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 a complete submit 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 climbing space round Fagradalsfjall and ideal if you happen to’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 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, in my view, 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, if you happen to’re within the wider space or heading to Vik, that’s comparatively shut by, then ebook this Ice Cave Tour. You’ll get to discover the Katla Ice Caves, and they’re truthfully unimaginable to go to.
Simply remember to ebook 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 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 if you happen to’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 would be able to’t miss and are completely underrated to go to if you happen to’re on the lookout for locations a bit extra off the overwhelmed path.
One in every 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 need to be monitoring for days to get to see one sight in Iceland, particularly if you happen to’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 comply with the path that may take you straight to Kvernufoss. Simply be certain that to put on good sneakers; the paths can get slippy in icy circumstances.
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 if you’re right here. There aren’t any actual cafes, eating places or lodgings on the seaside. This implies it is 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 sizzling 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 value visiting if you happen to’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 would be able to simply base your self in Seyðisfjörður and discover extra of Jap 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 certain that to go to close by Klifbrekku Waterfall (Google Maps pin) and go to the Vök Baths. These geothermal baths are proper on the aspect of the lake, they usually’re one in every of our favourites in all of Jap 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 standard, 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, ebook 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 if you happen to 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 couple of 45-minute drive from Husavik. It’s one of many hidden locations in Iceland to go to if you happen to’re venturing into the lesser-discovered north of the island – and we like it!
After parking (for which there’s a small price), take a wander round these effervescent vents and sulphur pits. It truthfully appears to be like like one other planet.
Additionally, if you happen to’re driving, be certain that 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 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 vibrant, 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 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, considering you have 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, somewhat 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, nevertheless it’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 world round Arnarstapi (Google Maps pin).
Be sure that 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, ebook 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 among the finest locations across the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with a professional information.
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