Iceland is an absolute gem of a country to explore. There are so many amazing places to see and heaps of quaint towns and even active volcanoes which you can visit! It’s a country filled with fire, ice and heaps of charm! Now, if you’ve been to the country before or want to explore some of the hidden places in Iceland that most people miss, then you need to go beyond the Golden Circle.
The Golden Circle is great, don’t get me wrong! It’s accessible, beautiful and perfect to explore if you’re based in Reykjavik or the wider Golden Circle area. That being said, there are so many more, lesser-known and undiscovered places you really shouldn’t miss.
Over the years, we’ve visited Iceland heaps of times and travelled the length and breadth of the country. So, we’ve jotted down some of the hidden places in Iceland you might not have thought of visiting before. Oh, and as always, pop us a message if you’re stuck or unsure about any of your plans. We’re always happy to offer advice! Have the best time visiting Iceland.
1.) Ásbyrgi
Nestled in the North of Iceland, Ásbyrgi (Google Maps pin) is a vast glacial canyon that’s pretty easy to drive to if you’re basing yourself in Husavik (about a 45-minute drive away).
Now, the great thing about Ásbyrgi is that it’s accessible by car. You can park in this small parking area and explore the horseshoe canyon, which is so beautiful and serene. Head to this viewpoint, Botnstjörn (Google Maps pin), that’s right in the heart of the Canyon itself. You see the destruction that the last Ice Age caused in Iceland, and it’s immense to see.
Also, if you’re travelling from Akureyri, then book this incredible day trip tour. This tour includes a hiking stop off at Dettifoss for hiking, alongside more Diamond Circle gems like Husavik, Tjörnes and Goðafoss. It’s the perfect way to cover lots of ground and explore the lesser-known hidden places in Iceland that visitors don’t tend to think about seeing.
Read more: Best places in Iceland to visit
2.) Fagradalsfjall Volcano
Over the last few years, the Fagradalsfjall Volcano has been as active as ever, with official trails opening up (and sometimes closing due to safety) since the most recent eruptions began. Now, the great thing about visiting the Fagradalsfjall Volcano when visiting Iceland is that it’s right in the heart of the action!
It’s not too far from the main airport in Keflavik (Iceland’s international airport) and a stone’s throw from the Blue Lagoon – one of the most famous places in all of Iceland.
Now, most visits to Iceland will go through this area, but a much smaller proportion of people explore these hikes while here. When you’re in Iceland, check local advice to see if there have been any fresh eruptions; this way, you’ll know when to go (and when to avoid the area). To make things easier, we’ve written a whole post on the best routes to hike, what to expect and much more.
Afterwards, head on over to Sol Restaurant (Google Maps pin) that’s in Hafnarfjörður. It’s about a 45-minute drive from the hiking area around Fagradalsfjall and perfect if you’re heading back to Reykjvik for the night. You actually get to dine on top of the growing crops in the greenhouse, and the food is so yummy.
Read more: Best ways to visit the Fagradalsfjall Volcano
3.) Lómagnúpur
Just off driving Route 1 (the main road that circles Iceland) is, Lómagnúpur. It’s an incredible area of Iceland to visit and a place that doesn’t always get enough attention, in my opinion, as it’s really easy to visit.
You see, you can easily stop off at this point (Google Maps pin) and see Lómagnúpur safely from the roadside.
Also, if you’re in the wider area or heading to Vik, that’s relatively close by, then book this Ice Cave Tour. You’ll get to explore the Katla Ice Caves, and they are honestly incredible to visit.
Just be sure to book your tickets in advance of your trip – tickets do sell out, especially in the height of summer.
Read more: Best places in Iceland to visit
4.) Kvernufoss
If it’s waterfalls you’re searching for in Iceland, then look no further than Kvernufoss (Google Maps pin). It’s just shy of Skogar and really easy to visit if you’re driving west (or east along Route 1).
Now, most people, when visiting Iceland, tend to stick to the closer waterfalls near the Golden Circle (like Seljalandsfoss and Selfoss). Incredible, yes, but there are heaps of others that you can’t miss and are totally underrated to visit if you’re looking for places a little more off the beaten path.
One of our favourite hidden places in Iceland is Kvernufoss. This is because the paths are really well maintained and due to its ease of access. You see, you don’t want to be tracking for days to get to see one sight in Iceland, especially if you’re only here for a week or so.
Park up at the Freya Cafe parking area, and you’ll then be able to follow the trail that will take you straight to Kvernufoss. Just make sure to wear good shoes; the paths can get slippy in icy conditions.
5.) Raudisandur
Right in the northwest of Iceland, Raudisandur (Google Maps pin) is incredible for its sandy beach and bay. I’d go as far as saying it’s one of my favourite beaches in Iceland to visit. It’s idyllic, and you just know this landscape hasn’t been touched by humans. It’s that serene.
Don’t expect any amenities when you’re here. There are no real cafes, restaurants or lodgings on the beach. This means you should take everything you need with you on your trip. Snacks are a must!
Afterwards, you can drive to the geothermal pools at Íþróttamiðstöðin Brattahlíð swimming pools and hot tubs. It’s around a 35-minute drive from Raudisandur and the perfect place to warm up after a monring at the beach.
Read more: Best places in Iceland to visit
6.) Seyðisfjörður
Right on the western fringes of Iceland, Seyðisfjörður (Google Maps pin), is a small community that’s so worth visiting if you’re driving Route 1 around Iceland. It’s one of the hidden places in Iceland that, really, I suppose, isn’t hidden at all. It’s a small town.
Now, what makes it special for me is that you can easily base yourself in Seyðisfjörður and explore more of Eastern Iceland.
Once here, don’t forget to drive to Gufu waterfall (Google Maps pin), which is totally beautiful and just shy of the town itself. Also, make sure to visit nearby Klifbrekku Waterfall (Google Maps pin) and visit the Vök Baths. These geothermal baths are right on the side of the lake, and they’re one of our favourites in all of Eastern Iceland.
7.) Kerid Crater
If you’re venturing mainly around the Golden Circle in Iceland, then stop off at the Kerid Crater. It’s pretty popular, but lots of visitors to Iceland miss this spot when self-driving the Golden Circle route itself.
Once here, you’ll pay an entrance fee and you’ll be able to explore the Kerid Crater and volcanic remains that make this area of Iceland so unique.
Staying in Reykjavik? To make things easier, book this amazing Golden Circle tour that includes a stop at the Kerid Crater. Visits take around 8-10 hours, and you’ll go through the whole region. It’s a great way to see the area, especially if you don’t drive (or just don’t want to).
Read more: Best places in Iceland to visit
8.) Hverir
Hverir (Google Maps pin) is one of our favourite geothermal areas in Iceland to visit and is totally unique. It’s nestled between volcanoes in the north of Iceland, about a 45-minute drive from Husavik. It’s one of the hidden places in Iceland to visit if you’re venturing into the lesser-discovered north of the island – and we love it!
After parking (for which there is a small fee), take a wander around these bubbling vents and sulphur pits. It honestly looks like another planet.
Also, if you’re driving, make sure to visit nearby Krafla Volcano (Google Maps pin), where you can walk around the rim of the caldera. It’s immense and so incredible to see in Iceland.
We visited a few times, and on our last visit, we were there at 1 am in the summer. It was still bright, and no one was around. It all felt so special.
Read more: Best places in Iceland to visit
9.) Rauðhólar
Rauðhólar (Google Maps pin) is right next to Reykjavik, and so few people actually stop to visit or explore. It’s right in plain sight and one of the hidden places in Iceland that is totally easy to visit. You see, most visitors to Iceland just drive out of Reykjavik, thinking you need to travel vast distances to see Iceland’s awesome nature. That’s just not true, and Rauðhólar is the perfect example of this.
The volcanic area will take you around 25 minutes to stroll around and the landscape is beautiful.
10.) Krysuvik
Not too far from the Blue Lagoon is Krysuvik and Seltún Geothermal Area (Google Maps pin). Now, this is more of a stopping point, rather than a destination in itself, as visits will take only around 30 minutes. Though it can be easily added onto a wider trip around the Reykjanes Geopark area of Iceland, which is totally beautiful.
Read more: Best places in Iceland to visit
11.) Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Around a 2.5-hour drive north of Reykjavik is the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. For some reason, everyone seems to miss this area of Iceland when visiting for the first time, but it’s so worth a trip if you want to find a more underrated or hidden place in Iceland.
Once you’re in the area, I’d recommend staying for a night or two to explore the wider Snaefellsnes Peninsula. We loved the area around Arnarstapi (Google Maps pin).
Make sure to see the rugged coastline at Gatklettur (Google Maps pin), and of course stroll the wider Arnarstapi Cliffs. Always be cautious with the winds in Iceland and never stand too close to the edge.
To make things extra special, book this private Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour from Reykjavik that will whisk you away to the untouched landscape of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It’s amazing and you’ll cover so much ground and see some of the best places around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with a qualified guide.
Read more: Best places in Iceland to visit
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