Discovering Hidden Gems: Unexplored Locations in Iceland's Fire and Ice Realm (Outside the Ordinary 5 Destinations)
In the land of fire and ice, Iceland, there's a world beyond the bustling city of Reykjavik and the well-trodden Golden Circle. For those seeking a quieter, more intimate engagement with Iceland’s wild nature, these off-the-beaten-track destinations offer an untouched Icelandic experience.
Beginning in the central highlands, the Kerlingarfjöll mountains are home to Hveradalir, one of Iceland's most expansive geothermal areas. Hiking trails wind past gurgling mud pools, hissing steam vents, and warm streams, providing a unique and otherworldly experience. Nearby, Landmannalaugar offers a natural hot spring where geothermally heated water pours into a wide basin from a mountain stream.
Leaving the central highlands, the scenic Hornafjörður fjord in the southeast of Iceland is home to Höfn, a harbor town known for its seafood and access point to Vatnajökull National Park. This vast park, covering approximately 14% of Iceland's total area, is Iceland's most expansive national park and houses Europe's biggest ice cap, Vatnajökull glacier.
Vatnajökull National Park is a site of natural and cultural significance, featuring volcanic scenery and glacier-shaped landscapes. A helicopter tour can provide an eagle's-eye view of the glacier and the endless volcanic landscapes within the park, and can be organized by Ad Astra Travel.
One of the park's popular destinations is Jökulsárlón, a vast glacial lagoon, where icebergs, black-sand beaches, and white-capped mountains create a breathtaking sight.
Beyond Vatnajökull National Park, there are several hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Brúarfoss Waterfall, also known as the "Blue Waterfall" for its vivid blue water flowing gently through rocky channels, requires a 30–45 minute hike each way but offers a rewarding, intimate experience.
Hrunalaug Hot Spring, a rustic, quiet geothermal pool located away from typical tourist crowds, provides a peaceful local bathing experience. Gjáin, a fairy-tale canyon with lush greenery, waterfalls, and volcanic formations, offers serene beauty in the Þjórsárdalur area.
The Westfjords, a remote region with glacier-carved fjords, secluded hiking valleys, and soothing geothermal pools, offer breathtaking seclusion and an untouched Icelandic experience far from tourist hubs.
Húsavík, known for authentic whale watching, offers opportunities to see humpback and pilot whales against quiet snow-capped backdrops. The town also hosts a Whale Museum with natural history exhibits. The Secret Lagoon, a lesser-known natural hot spring pool, offers a more intimate and authentic geothermal bathing experience than the popular Blue Lagoon.
Lastly, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, featuring dramatic beaches, hidden waterfalls, hot springs, and diverse landscapes packed into one compact area about two hours from Reykjavik, offers a rich variety of Icelandic nature without the usual crowds.
Exploring ice caves and rugged highland terrain via glacier tours or helicopter trips opens access to spectacular vistas and landscapes typically unseen by most travelers. These locations provide a quieter, more intimate engagement with Iceland’s wild nature, avoiding the heavy tourist traffic found in Reykjavik and the Golden Circle main attractions.
- The Kerlingarfjöll mountains, a part of Iceland's central highlands, have Hveradalir, one of the country's most expansive geothermal areas, making photography of the unique and otherworldly landscape an adventurous pursuit.
- In the scenic Hornafjörður fjord, Höfn provides access to Vatnajökull National Park, where glacier photography is a popular activity, especially during helicopter tours that offer panoramic views of Europe's biggest glacier, Vatnajökull.
- Nature enthusiasts can discover the peaceful Brúarfoss Waterfall, also known as the "Blue Waterfall," during a quiet, intimate hiking experience, capturing the vivid blue water flowing through rocky channels.
- For a lifestyle steeped in tranquil Icelandic traditions, travelers can explore Hrunalaug Hot Spring, a rustic, secluded geothermal pool away from tourist crowds, capturing serene moments in their photography.
){kind=link}