Golden Circle Wonders
- Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir): A UNESCO World Heritage site, historically significant as the site of Iceland’s ancient parliament, and geologically unique where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart. You can even snorkel/dive the Silfra Fissure here!
- Geysir Geothermal Area: Home to the famous Strokkur geyser, which erupts every 5-10 minutes, shooting hot water high into the air. The original Great Geysir is mostly dormant.
- Gullfoss Waterfall: A majestic two-tiered waterfall, often called the “Golden Falls,” where the Hvítá river plunges into a deep canyon.
- Kerið Volcanic Crater: A striking volcanic crater lake with vibrant red volcanic rock and turquoise-blue water.
- Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths: A spa where you can relax in geothermal pools and steam baths.
South Coast & Glacier Wonders
- Seljalandsfoss Waterfall: Famous for the pathway behind the cascading water, allowing you to walk directly behind it (weather permitting).
- Skógafoss Waterfall: A powerful, iconic waterfall where you can often see rainbows in the mist on sunny days, and you can walk up a staircase for a view from the top.
- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach: Known for its dramatic black sand, basalt columns (Reynisdrangar), and powerful waves. Be very careful with the sneaker waves here.
- Dyrhólaey Arch: A dramatic rock arch and promontory, a great spot for birdwatching (especially puffins in summer) and panoramic views of the black sand beaches.
- Vík í Mýrdal: A charming village nestled amidst the dramatic South Coast scenery.
- Skaftafell Nature Reserve (Vatnajökull National Park): A stunning area with diverse landscapes, including hiking trails, glacier tongues, and Svartifoss waterfall (known for its basalt columns).
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: A breathtaking glacial lagoon filled with icebergs that have broken off the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier.
- Diamond Beach: Located across the road from Jökulsárlón, where icebergs from the lagoon wash ashore, glistening like diamonds on the black sand.
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon: A magnificent and winding canyon with steep walls and a river flowing through it.
Reykjanes Peninsula & Capital Area
- Blue Lagoon: Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa, known for its milky blue, mineral-rich waters. (Book well in advance!)
- Reykjavík: The vibrant capital city with numerous museums (e.g., National Museum of Iceland, Settlement Exhibition, Perlan), art galleries, colorful houses, and a lively food scene.
- Hallgrímskirkja Church: An iconic church with unique architecture inspired by basalt columns, offering panoramic city views from its tower.
- Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre: A stunning architectural landmark on the waterfront.
- Sun Voyager (Sólfar): A beautiful steel sculpture of a Viking ship, representing a dream boat and an ode to the sun.
- Bridge Between Continents: A symbolic footbridge over a fissure where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
- Gunnuhver Geothermal Area: A highly active geothermal area with bubbling mud pools and steaming fumaroles.
North Iceland & Myvatn Region
- Goðafoss Waterfall: The “Waterfall of the Gods,” a beautiful horseshoe-shaped waterfall with historical significance related to Iceland’s conversion to Christianity.
- Lake Mývatn Area: A region known for its unique geothermal features, pseudocraters, lava formations, and diverse birdlife.
- Dimmuborgir: A fascinating area of dark, unusually shaped lava formations.
- Hverir Geothermal Area (Námaskarð): A surreal landscape of bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and sulfur deposits.
- Mývatn Nature Baths: The “Blue Lagoon of the North,” a less crowded geothermal spa experience.
- Dettifoss Waterfall: Europe’s most powerful waterfall, a truly immense cascade.
- Ásbyrgi Canyon: A horseshoe-shaped canyon with towering cliffs and lush vegetation, associated with Norse mythology.
- Húsavík: Often called the “Whale Watching Capital of Iceland.”
- Akureyri: The “Capital of the North,” a charming town with botanical gardens and a relaxed atmosphere.
Westfjords & Snaefellsnes Peninsula
- Kirkjufell Mountain & Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall: Often called “Church Mountain,” one of Iceland’s most photographed peaks, especially with the nearby waterfall.
- Snæfellsjökull National Park: Home to the Snæfellsjökull glacier (a dormant volcano said to be one of the Earth’s seven energy centers), black sand beaches, and dramatic cliffs.
- Djúpalónssandur & Dritvík: Black pebble beaches with historical shipwreck remains and “lifting stones” used to test strength.
- Arnarstapi & Hellnar: Charming coastal villages with impressive basalt column cliffs and rock formations.
- Latrabjarg Cliffs (Westfjords): Europe’s largest bird cliff, teeming with millions of seabirds, including puffins (in summer).
- Dynjandi Waterfall (Westfjords): A magnificent series of seven cascading waterfalls, often called the “Jewel of the Westfjords.”
Highlands (Requires 4×4 & Summer Access)
- Landmannalaugar: A stunning geothermal area known for its colorful rhyolite mountains, hot springs, and hiking trails.
- Askja Caldera: A remote volcanic caldera with a beautiful crater lake (Víti).
- Thórsmörk Valley: A verdant valley nestled between three glaciers, a popular hiking destination.
ere are some truly special and often “hidden” sites in Iceland:
Waterfalls with a Twist:
- Gljúfrabúi (South Coast): Located just a short walk from the very popular Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi (meaning “Canyon Dweller”) is a waterfall hidden inside a narrow gorge. You have to wade through a shallow stream to get inside, and it feels like stepping into a secret world. It’s incredibly photogenic, especially when the light hits it just right.
- Kvernufoss (South Coast): Another lesser-known waterfall very close to the famous Skógafoss. It’s tucked away in a beautiful gorge, and you can walk behind this waterfall too, often with far fewer people than at Seljalandsfoss. The path is well-maintained and fairly easy.
- Brúarfoss (Golden Circle area): Often called “Iceland’s Bluest Waterfall,” Brúarfoss is a series of small cascades and rapids flowing into incredibly vivid turquoise water. It was once quite hidden, but a more accessible path has been developed. It’s still less crowded than the main Golden Circle attractions.
- Glymur (West Iceland): For a long time, this was Iceland’s second-highest waterfall (now Morsárfoss is believed to be higher due to glacier melt). Reaching Glymur involves a challenging but rewarding hike through a beautiful canyon, including a river crossing. It keeps many tourists away, making it a truly special experience.
- Stuðlagil Canyon (East Iceland): This basalt column canyon gained immense popularity in recent years due to social media, but it’s still far less visited than the South Coast. The incredible turquoise-blue river flowing through striking basalt columns is a sight to behold. There are two sides to view it from, one involves a longer hike.
Geothermal Escapes (Beyond the Blue Lagoon):
- Hrunalaug Hot Spring (Golden Circle Area): A small, rustic, and very charming hot spring located near Flúðir. It’s on private land, and the owner asks for a small contribution to help maintain it, which helps keep it from getting overrun. It offers a wonderfully authentic bathing experience.
- Seljavallalaug (South Coast): This is one of Iceland’s oldest swimming pools, built into the side of a mountain. It’s fed by a natural hot spring, though the water can be lukewarm depending on the weather. The walk to get there is beautiful, leading you through a secluded valley. It’s less “hidden” than it used to be but still feels remote.
- Hvammsvík Hot Springs (Hvalfjörður Fjord, near Reykjavik): A more recent addition to Iceland’s hot spring scene (opened 2021), this one is gaining popularity but still feels less “commercial” than the Blue or Sky Lagoon. It offers stunning fjord views and several pools with varying temperatures, some directly influenced by the ocean tide. It’s a great stop if you’re taking the scenic drive around Hvalfjörður.
- Laugarvallalaug (East Highlands – 4×4 required): For the truly adventurous, this is a hot waterfall that you can bathe under! It’s located in the remote Highlands of East Iceland, requiring a 4×4 and a willingness to drive on F-roads. The journey is part of the adventure.
Unique Natural Formations:
- Gjáin (South Iceland Highlands – often 4×4 or shuttle required): An absolute oasis of lush greenery, small waterfalls, and lava formations in an otherwise stark landscape. It feels like a fairytale valley and is often overlooked by those sticking strictly to the Ring Road.
- Thakgil (South Iceland, near Vik – 4×4 recommended for road): A stunning, sheltered canyon with unique rock formations and a fantastic camping area. There are great hiking trails leading to a glacier tongue and a hidden waterfall inside a cave. The access road (Route 214) can be rough.
- Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (South East Iceland): This magnificent, winding canyon with steep walls and a river flowing through it gained a lot of attention after appearing in a Justin Bieber music video. While more known now, it’s still incredibly impressive and often less crowded than the immediate South Coast attractions.
Coastal and Cultural Gems:
- Rauðasandur Beach (Westfjords): Unlike Iceland’s typical black sand beaches, Rauðasandur is known for its beautiful golden-red sands. It’s a truly remote and peaceful spot in the Westfjords.
- Flatey Island (Breiðafjörður Bay): A tiny, charming island in Breiðafjörður Bay (between the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the Westfjords), accessible by ferry. It’s a car-free island with beautifully preserved old houses and a serene, timeless atmosphere. Great for birdwatching.
- Siglufjörður (North Iceland): A picturesque town in a narrow fjord, once the herring fishing capital of Iceland. It’s a bit of a detour from the Ring Road but offers a fascinating Herring Era Museum and a charming, tranquil vibe.
- Hjörleifshöfði (South Coast – “Yoda Cave”): A striking isolated mountain, said to be the burial place of one of Iceland’s first settlers. It also features a unique cave formation that resembles the Star Wars character Yoda, making it a fun stop for fans. The access is on a gravel road off the main route.
Important Considerations for Hidden Gems:
- Accessibility: Many “hidden” gems are hidden for a reason! They often require a 4×4 vehicle to navigate gravel F-roads (mountain roads) that are only open in summer. Always check road conditions (www.road.is) before you go.
- Weather: Iceland’s weather is notoriously fickle. Even well-maintained trails can become difficult or dangerous in bad weather (rain, strong winds, snow).
- Facilities: Don’t expect amenities like restrooms or shops at most hidden spots. Be prepared with water, snacks, and appropriate gear.
- Respect Nature: These places are pristine. Stay on marked paths, don’t litter, and respect local regulations.
- Private Land: Some “hidden gems” are on private land, and access may require a small fee or simply respectful behavior.