15 Hidden Gems in Iceland: Secret Sites & Surprises

Beautiful landscapes are everywhere on the stupendous island of Iceland. Restfully sitting at the edge of the Arctic Circle, Iceland offers many natural wonders that attract visitors from everywhere. In the past few years, it has become one of the top-notch tourist attractions. 

This land from which the Vikings originated has plenty of hidden gems awaiting discovery. Besides having a long and rich history, it is home to many prodigious attractions. Glaciers, hot springs, and ice caves are just brief introductions to a land rich in everything marvellous. 

There are always Icelandic sites that serve different types of people. Thus, nature lovers, adventure seekers, history buffs, and everyone will enjoy their stay. Keep reading to learn about the best spots around the Icelandic cities and valleys. You’ll also learn about the off-the-beaten gems of this country.

1. Dip in the Hot Springs in the Golden Circle

Iceland pretty much shares the spa culture with Norway. They both share the same abundance when it comes to thermal pools formed by natural causes. Haukadalur is one of the valleys that are major attractions in Southern Iceland.

The valley is home to the Golden Circle sightseeing, 300 kilometres away from Reykjavik. The Golden Circle is famous for its boiling pools of mud, where people take dips for health benefits. It’s also famous for abundant hot springs and active volcanoes since Iceland is an active geothermal land.

2. Watch the Northern Lights Away from the Cities

Iceland is one of the few countries in the Arctic Circle in the Northern Hemisphere. Thus, it is blessed with the rare blessing of the Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis. This natural wonder occurs in significantly cold countries due to energy releases that only happen in some parts of the world.

Its rarity makes it very special and raises your enthusiasm to be lucky enough to see them. However, you shouldn’t make it your primary objective since it never occurs during special occasions. But instead, they take place when the sky is darker, usually during the cold months. Thus, make sure you visit by that time.

Also, there aren’t better spots or areas where you can observe the magnificent Northern Lights. You can get lucky and see them from anywhere in the country. Your chances get higher the further away you get from Reykjavik, for artificial light sources significantly reduce their chances.

3. Hike through the Crystal Ice Cave

There must be a convincing reason for this land to receive its name specifically. With the ice covering almost everything, it’d be bizarre to visit Iceland and not tour its frozen landscapes. 

The Crystal Ice Cave is one of the most popular destinations in Vatnajökull and one of the largest glaciers in Europe. You can’t visit any ice caves in Iceland without a tour guide, so there won’t be anything to worry about. 

Iceland is home to countless ice caves, icebergs, and beautiful glaciers. These make perfect spots for energetic visitors who love hiking while absorbing vast landscapes’ beauty. You will have a real icy experience that you won’t find elsewhere.

However, you can still enjoy the weather during the days of summer. But, if you plan your visit in winter, this land lives up to its name. Ensure you prepare enough layers of clothing to shield yourself from the shivering breeze.

4. Bathe in the Blue Lagoon

Visions of pale blue waters are a staple in a country like Iceland. Everything about this country is nearly blue and white, which is pretty much the factor that attracts many visitors to this beautiful spot on the planet.

One of the regions you shouldn’t miss is Grindavik, a fishing town on Iceland’s Southern Peninsula. Its top-tier attraction is the Blue Lagoon, lying around a 40-minute drive from Reykjavik. 

Many visitors head to the blue lagoon to soak themselves in its warm waters. It’s said to have several health benefits that people love to reap for beauty purposes. On the edges of the lagoon, you can find mud tubs. You can do your skin a favour and use the mud’s healthy minerals.

5. Explore the Marine Life in Silfra Fissure

Iceland houses one of the largest diving sites in the world, Silfra Fissure. You will dive between two continents in the heart of Thingvellir National Park in Þingvellir. This site is where the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia slightly drift apart every year.

Silfra Fissure is one of the many fissures that opened up during a major earthquake that hit the area back in time. Snorkelling is a popular activity at that site, being a spot of crystal clear water around the globe. 

Many visitors enjoyed the clarity of the water, which enabled 90-meter visibility. It is home to many fish species, leaving you in amazement and awe. Interestingly, seaweed forests and moonlight lava rocks are also sitting at the bottom.

6. Visit the Gljúfrabúi Waterfall

There are many waterfalls in Iceland that most visitors are eager to see. One of the most popular ones is the Seljalandsfoss waterfall in the country’s Southern Region. Interestingly, this area offers a prettier waterfall that most people tend to miss out on, the Gljúfrabúi Waterfall. 

Weirdly, people miss this wonderful waterfall when it is only five minutes away from the most prominent one. To reach the Gljúfrabúi Waterfall, you must walk through a cave-like entrance. It will enable you to stand under the waterfalls and have an unforgettable experience.

7. Enjoy the Scenery of the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur lies close to Iceland’s huge ring road. The canyons of Fjaðrárgljúfur gained huge popularity after the hit show Game of Thrones featured them. It was one of the most prominent tourist destinations, yet it received more tourists after making it to the big screen.

The Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon is one of the most delightful canyons across the whole country. You can hike it up while enjoying the scenic landscapes of nature it offers. The canyon also lies close to Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a historic town you can explore. 

8. Learn about History at the Skálholt Historical Site

The Golden Circle may be Iceland’s most prominent tourist destination, with several landmarks. However, taking a little detour from the acclaimed Golden Circle will still get you somewhere. Skálholt is located in South Iceland; it remained one of Iceland’s most significant places for years.

The site is perfect for history lovers. Moreover, Skálholt satisfies those who crave to hear tales from the past. It’s home to a charming Cathedral with a compelling museum, making it a prominent cultural and political centre. The museum is a vault beneath the Church.

Besides the terrific Icelandic architecture, there is more to this building than just its magnificent exterior. Many tales live within the walls of Skálholt Cathedral, some of which have brutal, shivering performances. 

One of the popular tales that this cathedral was famous for is the brutal execution of Jón Arason of Hólar. Jón Arason was the last Catholic bishop of Iceland and was put to death by having his head chopped off.

9. Check Out the Secret Lagoon in the Village of Flúðir

Flúðir is a small village over a hundred kilometres from the Capital city in South Iceland. It is usually included in the Golden Circle trip program. Nonetheless, it’s an excellent spot for those who want to chill, expel negativity, and shake stress off their bodies. How tempting!

So, what is the secret of this village that cheers people up? Well, the Secret Lagoon is the real catch. It is a man-made structure surrounded by natural hot springs. Dating back to 1891, it is also the oldest pool Iceland has ever known.

Despite being man-made, natural, geothermal waters fill up the Secret Lagoon. These beneficial waters come straight out of the ground. The charm of this lagoon doesn’t just stop there; it even steals the spotlight from the famous Blue Lagoon. A natural geothermal valley embraces the Secret Lagoon, unlike the Blue Lagoon, which a lava field surrounds.

They both sound interesting, but what difference do their situations make? Mesmerizing white steam from the ground billows out of the Secret Lagoon. You will even find tiny geysers coming out of it and bubbling pools of natural water.

10. Stop at Kerið Crater Lake for a Fascinating Sightseeing

Icelandic letters seem to have unique twists, and we’ve already encountered several hard-to-pronounce terms. Unfortunately, Kerið Crater Lake is no exception, but we promise you some unforgettable views if you ignore the pronunciation. You can find Kerið by reaching the Grimsnes area, which is located in South Iceland.

The uniqueness of Kerið lies in the small lake that fills a hole that once was home to lavas. You can’t help but be hypnotized by the colourful shades this lake presents. The crater’s rocky walls radiate a bright red colour, harmonising with the green plantations and turquoise waters.

Kerið is a volcanic crater plentiful scientists argue formed around 60 centuries ago. They also claim that the formation occurred due to multiple volcanic eruptions. Scientists share this theory where what was once a volcanic cone depleted its magma reserve, turning into an empty hole. Later, underground water started to fill this hole, forming the enchanting lake we see today.

11. Take a Glimpse into the Viking Village Abandoned Film Set

Iceland was one of the original homes of the Vikings. Thus, seeing many monuments referring to their lives is pretty normal. Filmmakers were quite aware of this fact and made great use of it, or almost did.

This secret location sits on a twisting road between Höfn and Djúpivogur. The man-made village is a replica of an old Viking village. It has been around only since 2010 and was originally built to film an Icelandic movie. However, the filming never happened, yet you’ve got to praise that it was constructed so realistically.

The village remains unspoiled since it was abandoned, but later became a tourist attraction. Seeing the picturesque nature that surrounds the site will stop you from wondering why they chose it in the first place. Beautiful mountain ranges can be seen in sight; they are a fantastic backdrop.

Besides the make-believe village, you can head south to find another magnificent sight: Stokksnes Beach. This natural wonder possesses a vast black sand land, a rare scenery that will dazzle you.

12. Hjörleifshöfðix: A Hidden Gem Made It to the Big Screen

Just a few miles from the Ring Road, the Hjörleifshöfðix rock is hiding in plain sight. It is a peninsula in South Iceland that rises 221 meters above the ground. Below this sizeable standalone rock formation is a black glacial volcanic outwash.

The name’s credit goes to Hjörleifur Hróðmarsson, a settler whose brother was the first settler of the Vikings, Ingólfur Arnarson. You can find the burial mound of Hjörleifur located at the highest peak of the Hjörleifshöfðix.

One popular activity to do while in this vast greenery landscape is hiking. However, hiking to the highest peak, where the burial mound sits, can be a little uncomfortable due to the cliffs. You may find them unapproachable, but other locations offer easy hiking paths on the west side.

Throughout hiking, you will please your eyes with this secret site’s splendid views. You may also encounter a small beautiful waterfall if you descend Klif and the Slátturbrekka cliff. 

We have repeatedly mentioned this site’s secrecy, yet it managed to make it to the big screen. This site is where the renowned Yoda Cave from Star Wars is located. It also served as the opening scene of the 2016 Star Wars: Rogue movie.

13. Hit the Road Less Traveled of the West Fjords

Iceland is a European country famous for its abundant fjords. While they make great tourist destinations, the West Fjords receive many visitors yearly. There is no worrying reason behind this other than being a little remote from the Ring Road. If anything, the uncrowded sites offer a mind-relaxing experience.

This site will present to you that special feeling of being on the edge of the world. You are free and full of life. Surrounding the West Fjord are archaic fishing villages that are rich in history. Also, you can’t miss Látrabjarg, where the vertical sea cliffs provide a dazzling view. It is located at the westernmost end of the West Fjords.

The site overlooks the crystal blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is also home to many bird species whose colours and shapes accentuate the beautiful sky. We assure you that you will encounter kinds of birds that you have never seen back home.

14. Head to the Þingvellir National Park

Also known as the Thingvellire National Park, this site has been labelled a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That is because of its cultural and geological significance to Iceland. Dating back to 1930, the Þingvellir is Iceland’s first and oldest national park. The site traces back to 930, thousands of years before the park’s foundation.

It also lies only 40 kilometres away from the Icelandic capital city of Reykjavik. Since it is an extraordinary historical place, the park is usually the first stop in the Golden Circle route. According to history, this site used to be the gathering point for settlers of the Viking Age. It is where they started laying their laws and built their oldest parliament. 

Tourists become interested in observing the ruins on the national park’s assembly ground. Signs holding historical information about the events that used to take place on the grounds are also visible. The most significant documented events were the gruesome execution in the drowning pool, Drekkingarhylur, and the Christianization of Iceland.

15. Hike in the Most Fetching Canyon of Iceland, Mulagljufur Canyon

Hiking is a great activity to keep your circulation perfect while discovering the beauty of new countries. You can hit two birds with one stone thanks to the countless canyons. Iceland is one of the dazzling terrains that offer many sites suitable for hiking while witnessing scenic views.

Lace up your most comfortable hiking footwear and prepare for a nice Mulagljufur Canyon trip. It is located southwest of Fjallsarlon Glacier, offering dazzling mountain vistas and views of waterfalls pouring down. It sounds like there isn’t much to do at those splendid canyons, but we promise you zero moments of boredom.

Now that we’ve walked you through glamorous destinations to explore, it’s time to book your flight to Iceland!