Hidden Gems of Iceland: 8 Places Other than the Golden Circle you Need to See
When travelers first plan a trip to Iceland, the Golden Circle usually tops the list and for good reason. With Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir Hot Springs area, it’s a breathtaking introduction to the country’s raw beauty. However there are so many hidden gems of Iceland that few people know about.
But if you venture beyond those well known tourist spots and delve deeper into Iceland, you’ll see many more amazing landscapes like black sand beaches, glaciers, mountains, waterfalls, fishing villages, volcanoes and more! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore deeper, here are 8 hidden gems of Iceland you can’t miss.
Affiliate Links provided to best tours in the area
1. Snæfellsnes Peninsula
If you want to experience all of Iceland’s landscapes in one region, a Snæfellsnes Peninsula tour is a must. We did a tour here and it was one of the best tours I’ve ever taken, even better than the Golden Circle Tour in my opinion. LINK TO TOUR HERE
Located in southwest Iceland, this stunning stretch of land offers lava fields, dramatic cliffs overseeing the ocean, small fishing villages and hidden waterfalls
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, like me, I compared it to being “North of the Wall.” Miles of baron terrain with incredible mountains, lakes, waterfalls and more.
Don’t miss Snæfellsjökull National Park. Tons of historical landmarks, crazy rock formations and small towns.
Arnarstapi is a charming seaside village with basalt cliffs and arching rock formations. If you’re on your own or with a tour, stop at the Arnarstapi trailhead. Walk this flat path right along the cliffside overseeing the Norwegian Sea. It was truly a moment where I had to stop, feel the breeze and appreciate where I was in that moment. A feling I will never forget.
2. Kirkjufell – The Iconic Arrowhead Mountain
No trip to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is complete without seeing Kirkjufell, one of Iceland’s most photographed mountains. Rising sharply from the coastline near the town of Grundarfjörður, it’s instantly recognizable, especially when paired with the nearby Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall.
Again, if you’re a Game of Thrones fan you may recognize this iconic mountain from the scenes “North of the Wall” as it is a staple of a back drop for Game of Thrones and they actually filmed a couple scenes there as well.
Get out, walk around and snap some pictures as it’s one of the most unique landmarks in the world.
3. The Black Sand Beaches of Vík
The black sand beaches on Iceland’s South Coast looks straight out of a fantasy film. Towering basalt columns, roaring waves and stand alone rock formations create for stunning landscapes that you’re not going to see anywhere else
You can visit these beaches taking one of the South Coast Iceland Tours.
While you’re still in Vik, go up to the Vík i Myrdal Church for great views overlooking the ocean and the town.
While in Vik, they have several glacier and ice caves as well. Take a tour for a full experience!
TOUR LINK FOR ICE CAVE TOUR IN VIK BY KATLA VOLCANO
4. Nátthagi Valley & Langihryggur Ridge (Fagradalsfjall Volcano Region)
This is a place we went on our volcano tour which was tons of fun and off the beaten-path. While many visitors head for the classic volcano viewpoint or only glance at the crater, the Nátthagi + Langihryggur route gives you a layered experience: you’ll walk alongside recent lava flows, see where eruptions have reshaped the landscape, and then climb to a ridge with sweeping vistas of the valley and volcanic system.
Seeing and hiking up a volcano is truly a once in a lifetime experience. When we hiked up here the winds were absolutely blistering, but that only added to the raw Iceland experinece in my opinion.
This whole region is definitely one to check out and see as it’s not too far south from Reykjavik either.
The South Iceland Tour is one of the best tours out there. See waterfalls, black sand beaches of Vik, glaciers and more. CLICK LINK HERE
5. Bridge Between Continents
If you’ve ever wanted to stand between two continents at once, Iceland gives you that chance. On the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland lies the Bridge Between Continents, a small footbridge that literally connects the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
This symbolic bridge spans a dramatic fissure where the Earth’s crust is slowly pulling apart. Every year, the two plates drift about 2 centimeters farther apart, making this one of the few places in the world where you can actually see continental drift above ground.
Located only about 20 minutes from the Airport and a short drive from the Blue Lagoon, this bridge really symbolizes the geological power of Iceland and just how unique this country is.
Something we didn’t do but will definitely look to do next time, is that you can actually snorkel between both tectonic plates…How cool is that? If that is something you’re looking to do, check out the LINK HERE FOR THAT TOUR
6. Hraunfossar and Barnafoss Waterfalls
Located in West Iceland, these twin waterfalls offer a peaceful contrast to the roaring Gullfoss. Hraunfossar flows gently through lava fields into the turquoise River, while Barnafoss rushes through narrow rock formations.
These are located off the “Golden Circle” but still make for incredible stops as these are very unique waterfalls and more subtle and quiet than the powerful Gulfoss.
When traveling North of Reykjavik make sure you stop here for some awesome views. One of the many hidden gems of Iceland.
7. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Just east of Vík lies Fjaðrárgljúfur, a 2-kilometer-long canyon that looks like something out of a fantasy novel. With moss-covered cliffs and a winding river below, it’s an awesome spot for photographers and nature lovers like myself.
You can walk along the canyon’s edge or explore the lower trails for even more breathtaking perspectives.
It’s a deep winding river canyon that is more than 2 million years old. It’s more of a popular spot but one that is definitely worth seeing.
You can take a bus tour from Reykjavik here to see this marvelous canyon. Checking out the LINK HERE for more details
8. The Westfjords
If you want to feel like you’ve drive to the end of the Earth, make your way out here. Located North West of Reykjavik, the Fjords are truly a site to behold. Not many people make their way out here which is a shame, but also a blessing for you.
Unfortunately we had a jam packed schedule for our 8 days in Iceland so we weren’t able to make it up here but it’s absolutely on the list for next time.
There are tons are amazing secluded waterfalls here such as Dynjandi, Fossfjörður, Hrísvaðsfoss and more. If you want to experience raw natural Iceland without a bunch of tourists and tour buses, then you have to take a drive up to the Westfjords to experience these yourselves.
The drive in the Fjords is incredible in itself, makes it seem like it’s an entirely different planet when you look out the window of the car, and honestly you can spend a day just driving around, pulling off to the side of the road to spot the occasional waterfall, cliffs or volcano.
The best way to see this area and Dynjandi Waterfall is with a bus tour. Check out the link here for a discounted rate!
You will also come upon some small quaint coastal villages you can stop at and grab a bite to eat and a drink and chat up with a local. Just a truly unique area and once we go back to Iceland we will definitely make it up here.
Hidden Gems of Iceland
While the majority of people do the Golden Circle for it’s main tourist highlights, there is so much more beauty in Iceland that a lot of people don’t even know about or don’t travel to. Don’t get me wrong, the Golden Circle is awesome and you should do it, but don’t be afraid to stretch your boundaries and going to some of these places that are off-the-beaten-path.
I hope this list gives you some inspiration for your trip to Iceland so you can see the unfiltered raw beauty this country has to offer.
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