Iceland Off the Beaten Path

Iceland Off the Beaten Path

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Last updated:
26.11.2020

Iceland is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque destinations providing scenic sights wherever you look. Even though the well-known attractions are truly awe-inspiring, there is also an abundance of places in Iceland off the beaten path that will leave you breathless.

Top 10 Hidden Gems In Iceland

When it comes to Iceland, the choice of things to see and places to visit is truly endless; however, here's a list of 10 attractions in the wondrous destination you don't want to miss.

Bruarfoss Waterfall

The natural wonder of the Bruarfoss Waterfall is a series of a small waterfalls boasting a marvelous blue color making it stand out in the picturesque yet less colorful surroundings. Bruarfoss is a gem hidden in Western Iceland, which requires conquering several miles on foot in order to reach it; however, it is not a problem in Iceland since the hike itself ensures some pretty spectacular sights along the way.

Bruarfoss Waterfall

Quick Iceland facts:

  • Location: Northern Europe;
  • Capital: Reykjavik;
  • Population: 341,243;
  • Currency: Icelandic króna;
  • Official language: Icelandic.

Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Situated on the southern end of the Vatnajökull glacier, Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon is another jewel worth visiting while exploring the area.

Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon

With icebergs from the nearby glacier floating around and the picture-perfect views over the surroundings, the site provides one of the best locations for marveling at the winter fairytale-like sceneries of Iceland. You can embark on a boat tour for the ultimate experience.

Fjadrargljufur Canyon

Enjoy endless hiking possibilities and soak up the views over the awe-inspiring Fjadrargljufur Canyon while touring the gems of Iceland. The natural wonder is located in the southeastern part of the country, just a short drive away from the charming Kirkjubæjarklaustur town, making it an excellent idea for a day tour. Considered to be around two million years old, the canyon stretches for around two kilometers (1.3 mi) and is around 100 meters deep (328 ft).

Fjadrargljufur Canyon

Must Do Activities:

  • Whale Watching, Reykjavik
  • The Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis
  • Hike in Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve
  • Watch Spectacular Geysers

Seljavallalaug Pool

Looking for the perfect place for a swim? Look no more as the Seljavallalaug Pool is surely an amazing place for that, providing spectacular surroundings as well. The exceptional pool is located in southern Iceland, just a short drive away from Ásólfsskáli, making it an excellent addition to any tour around the area. It was built back in 1923 and for some time held the title of the largest outdoor swimming pool in Iceland, with the measurements reaching 10 meters (30 feet) in width and 25 meters (82 feet) in length.

Seljavallalaug Pool

Glymur Waterfall

A sight for sore eyes, the magnificent Glymur Waterfall is not only an exceptional natural wonder to marvel at but also a hiker's paradise with plenty of trails to explore around the area. The height of the roaring waterfall is 198 meters (650 ft), making it the second-highest waterfall in Iceland. For the ultimate experience of sightseeing in the area, make sure to wear comfortable footwear and clothing, and also don't forget to charge your camera as picturesque views are guaranteed!

Glymur Waterfall

Grótta Island Lighthouse

The postcard-like lighthouse on the Grótta Island is should undoubtedly appear on your list of Iceland's hidden gems. Set on a picturesque location, the lighthouse provides not only scenic views over the surroundings but is also one of the best places for Northern Lights hunting, ensuring some truly unforgettable moments. The Grótta Island Lighthouse is actually set in a nature reserve, renowned for its abundant birdlife, making it an excellent location for bird watching as well.

Grótta Island Lighthouse

Hvitserkur

While exploring Iceland off the beaten path, make sure to stop by Hvitserkur, an imposing rock formation rising from the water. The natural basalt statue resembles some sort of a mythical creature, making it not only an impressive sight to see but also an exceptional monument on the shores of the Vatnsnes peninsula. Did you know that Hvitserkur is also known as the Troll of Northwest Iceland?

Hvitserkur

Vestrahorn Mountain

Another excellent addition to your Iceland tour is the impressive Vestrahorn Mountain, also known as the Batman Mountain. The imposing mountain creates a truly postcard-like view with the Stokksnes black sand beach nearby and waves washing its shores.

Vestrahorn Mountain

In addition to being the perfect backdrop for awe-inspiring nature pictures, the mountain also provides plenty of trails for walking around, soaking up the views.

Landmannalaugar

In addition to popular attractions, there are also plenty of non-touristy things to do in Iceland. Even though Landmannalaugar is not unknown, it is sadly often excluded from Iceland's popular routes; however, it surely shouldn't be. The out-of-this-world kind of landscape of the Landmannalaugar geothermal oasis is part of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve set nearby the Laugahraun lava field, making it undoubtedly an exceptional site to explore while in the scenic destination.

Landmannalaugar

Gjáin

Touring the hidden gems of Iceland would not be complete without a visit to Gjáin, a spectacular area fitted with various natural wonders. It consists of rugged landscapes and volcanic formations, uncountable fountains, postcard-like ponds, and an abundance of species of local flora. It is surely a must-visit place for not only nature lovers but all visitors to Iceland seeking to witness its unspoiled beauty.

Landmannalaugar

The high-rise waterfalls, rugged sceneries of the highlands, spine-chilling views over spectacular glacier lagoons, and numerous other wonders of nature add up to certainly spectacular Iceland trips. While working on your itinerary, make sure to include Iceland's hidden gems for the ultimate experience of exploring the one-of-a-kind destination.