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 stuffed with hearth, ice and heaps of appeal! Now, if you happen to’ve been to the nation earlier than or need to discover a number of the hidden locations in Iceland that most individuals miss, then you could transcend the Golden Circle.
The Golden Circle is nice, don’t get me incorrect! It’s accessible, lovely and excellent to discover if you happen to’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.
Through the years, we’ve visited Iceland heaps of occasions 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 all the time, pop us a message if you happen to’re caught or not sure about any of your plans. We’re all the time completely satisfied 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 few 45-minute drive away).
Now, the beauty of Ásbyrgi is that it’s accessible by automotive. You may park on this small parking space and discover the horseshoe canyon, which is so lovely 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 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 technique to cowl a lot 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 generally closing resulting from 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. Once you’re in Iceland, verify native recommendation to see if there have been any contemporary eruptions; this fashion, you’ll know when to go (and when to keep away from the realm). To make issues simpler, we’ve written a complete submit on the most effective routes to hike, what to anticipate and rather 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 if you happen to’re heading again to Reykjvik for the evening. You really get to dine on high 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 unbelievable space of Iceland to go to and a spot that doesn’t all the time 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, 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 actually unbelievable to go to.
Simply make sure you ebook your tickets upfront of your journey – tickets do promote out, particularly within the top of summer season.
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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). Unimaginable, sure, however there are heaps of others you can’t miss and are completely underrated to go to if you happen to’re in search of locations somewhat extra off the overwhelmed path.
One among our favorite hidden locations in Iceland is Kvernufoss. It is because the paths are very well maintained and resulting from 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 per week or so.
Park up on the Freya Cafe parking area, and also you’ll then be capable of observe the path that may take you straight to Kvernufoss. Simply make certain 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 unbelievable 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 if you’re right here. There are not any actual cafes, eating places or lodgings on the seaside. This implies you need to take the whole lot 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 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 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 you can 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 lovely and simply shy of the city itself. Additionally, make certain 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
Should you’re venturing primarily across the Golden Circle in Iceland, then cease off on the Kerid Crater. It’s fairly in style, however a lot 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 of discover the Kerid Crater and volcanic stays that make this space of Iceland so distinctive.
Staying in Reykjavik? To make issues simpler, ebook 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 realm, 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 few 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 adore it!
After parking (for which there’s a small charge), take a wander round these effervescent vents and sulphur pits. It actually appears like one other planet.
Additionally, if you happen to’re driving, make certain 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 just a few 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 correct subsequent to Reykjavik, and so few folks really 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 could 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, moderately 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 lovely.
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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 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 beloved the realm round Arnarstapi (Google Maps pin).
Be sure 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, ebook this non-public 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 number of the finest locations across the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with a professional information.
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