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What to See in Iceland | 15 Best Little-Known Places
If you're looking for what to see in IcelandYou're probably planning a trip to one of the most impressive countries we've ever seen. Most guidebooks repeat the same places: the classic 10, 15, or 20 must-sees where most tourists go. It's not that they aren't worth it (because yes, they are incredible), but Iceland is much more than its list of "top famous attractions."
After having lived in the country for almost a year, we want to share with you Some lesser-known places to see in IcelandThese go more unnoticed but are truly marvelous, and you'll find far fewer people there.
Let's go with them!
- Little-known places to see in Iceland
- Fosslaug, a very special hot spring to see in Iceland
- Studlagil, the basalt column canyon to see in Iceland
- Thakgil
- Gluggafoss Waterfall
- Reykjadalur Hot Springs, a natural hot spring to visit in Iceland
- Vök Baths Thermal Baths
- Dynjandi, the best waterfall to see in Iceland
- Whale watching in Hauganes
- Hafnarhólmi Colony
- Skaftafell Glacier Viewpoint
- Lava flow from the Fagradalsfjall volcano
- Mulagljufur Canyon, another of the best places to see in Iceland
- Ásbyrgi Canyon
- Selfoss Waterfall, the less-visited sister of Detifoss
- Moss Fields of Eldhraun
Little-known places what to see in Iceland
Fosslaug, a very special hot spring to see in Iceland
Fosslaug waterfall is just a short walk away. 6km from the carmain road, not far from Akureyri. The waterfall itself is beautiful, but what makes this place really special is that, right next to it, there is a natural thermal pool free where you can bathe with views of the waterfall.
Plus, despite being a free spot right off the tourist trail, hardly anyone visits this place, so you could end up having the entire pool to yourself and your party. A real luxury!
Studlagil, the basalt column canyon to see in Iceland
Of all the places I'll tell you about in this article, Studlagil Canyon is the most famous attraction. It is a canyon composed of basaltic columns and crossed by a glacial river of blue waters (except during storms). It's such a unique and beautiful place that it can't be missed on your Iceland itinerary.
It is very close to the city of Egilsstadir, eastern icelandIt can be visited from either of its two banks, but the one that's really worthwhile is the east bank, which is accessed from parking lot 2. You can read in detail how to get there, where to parkcar and what is the best time in our guide on the Studlagil Canyon.
Thakgil
Al south iceland, very close to the town of Vík, you can visit ThakgilThis is a mountainous area of volcanic origin, sculpted by the Katla Glacier, whose landscapes are covered in a deep green.
We recommend you Visit Thakgil if you like mountain trails, keep in mind that the carThe access road is a bit tricky, but by no means impossible during the summer. Once you arrive at the campsite, where we recommend spending the night if you're traveling by car, you'll find it easy to navigate. camper van, you can choose from several hiking trails absolutely spectacular. Some even take you to the foot of a glacier.
Gluggafoss Waterfall
This is one of the most curious waterfalls and less known of the south iceland, mainly because its neighbor Seljalandsfoss takes all the fame. Its name means “Cascade of the Windows", and it's due to the holes that the force of the water has created in the cliff face. This curious shape creates a very interesting effect when the water flows through the holes before falling into the void. If you visit this waterfall, you'll understand its name perfectly.
Very close to the waterfall you can also visit the crashed Eyvindarholt DC3 plane, much less known and in better condition than the famous plane at Sólheimasandur beach.
Reykjadalur thermal river, some natural hot springs to see in Iceland
The Reykjadalur thermal river is located just 45 minutes from Reykjavik, very close to the Golden Circle. This river is a paradise that stands out because you can enjoy free hot springs outdoor surrounded by mountains and volcanic landscapes.
To get there, you need to take a simple hike of about an hour. Along the way, you'll see fumaroles, small hot springs, and some waterfalls. The reward at the end of the trail is a hot river where the temperature varies depending on the areaallowing you to find the perfect temperature to relax. Visiting the Reykjadalur River is a unique natural experience that you shouldn't miss. To facilitate your visit, there is a wooden walkway.carYou can safely get into the water, and there are changing rooms available so you don't have to walk there in your swimsuit. I wouldn't miss this place if I were you.
Vök Baths Thermal Baths
Since we're talking about hot springs, we can't forget Vök Baths. There are many beautiful thermal baths scattered throughout Iceland, and this is one of our favorites. Although they're not free to enter like the thermal river we just told you about, these modern and luxuriously designed thermal baths are unique because Two of its thermal pools literally float on a lake.
From these pools you not only have an infinite view of the lake and the surrounding mountains, but you also have the possibility of jumping into the lake to contrast the temperatures. If you visit in winter, the lake will be frozen, and you can climb into a hole in the ice. If you're passing through Egilsstadir, I recommend book tickets.
Dynjandi, the best waterfall to see in Iceland
It's difficult to describe Dynjandi Waterfall; anything you say about it falls short. The immensity of this waterfall and the feeling you get at its base are hard to explain.carIt consists of 7 jumps, measures about 100 meters high and 60 meters wide, it is enormous.
Not many people visit it because it's located in the Westfjords, a region not usually included on Icelandic itineraries. If you have enough time, we recommend adding it, not just for the Dynjandi, there are so many beautiful places. What to see in the Westfjords.
Whale watching in Hauganes
Another thing to see in Iceland to enjoy its nature is its wildlife. The Icelandic coasts are known for their enormous inhabitants, many types of whales They live here for a good part of the year.
Although they can be seen in quite a few places, the best areas are in the north, for example in the Eyjafjörður fjord. In the heart of this fjord is the fishing village of Hauganes, a place with a history closely linked to the sea and where they have transformed their fishing boats for whale watching. We particularly like this place because its good price, its proximity to the area where the whales live, its respect for them and for being much less crowded than Husavik, another famous spot for see whales in Iceland.
Hafnarhólmi Colony
Speaking of Icelandic fauna, you have surely seen more than once photos of the famous puffins or puffins, a bird that is very difficult to see in other countries but that visits Iceland every summer. There are several colonies where to see puffins spread across the island, but Our favorite is undoubtedly Hafnarhólmi.
On this tiny rock located in the northeast of the country, you can see hundreds of puffins that come every year to lay their eggs and raise their chicks in the same hole summer after summer. The best part is that there are wooden walkways and observation points so as not to disturb the colony, but you will be able to observe them from just a few meters away, they are not at all afraid.
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Skaftafell Glacier Viewpoint
If there is one thing for which it is Iceland is famous for its glaciersespecially Vatnajökull. It's so big you can see it from the same carThe road that surrounds the country. Apart from the fun ones glacier treksAnother great way to appreciate the magnitude of the glacier is from a viewpoint in front of one of its tongues.
Our favorite viewpoint is located next to Skaftafell National Park and can be found on Google Maps as "Skaftafell Glacier high-altitude observation point»To access the viewpoint you have to parkcar in the Skaftafell visitor centre parking lot and walk a trail of about 3km.
Lava flow from the Fagradalsfjall volcano
In recent years, there has been significant seismic and volcanic activity in Iceland, especially in the Reykjanes Peninsula near the capital. Every few months, a new eruption would occur, threatening the popular Blue Lagoon hot springs and the town of Grindavik.
The positive side of this intense volcanic activity is that right now it is one of the places in the world where you can see lava flows more clearlySince the eruptions are recent, you have to go to any of the parking lots east of Grindavik to see them. You can find them on Google Maps.car Volcano Skali Parking«. Calm down, it's not the lava that almost swallowed the town, but that of a eruption a few years ago It has already cooled down considerably. You can even walk on it with caution, but fumaroles can still be seen in the hottest areas, especially when it rains and steam forms.
Mulagljufur Canyon, another of the best places to see in Iceland
El Mulagljufur Canyon It's another one of those spectacular places to see in Iceland, located off the main road but that almost no one knows about. Okay, yes, you have to walk a bit to visit it, but the views are completely worth it.
The canyon is located next to the Vatnajokull glacier, very close to the Fjallsárlón lagoon where dozens of icebergs float. In fact, one of the attractions of Mulagljufur is its proximity to that lagoon, since for much of the route you will have direct views of the lagoon and the glacier that forms it. But the best part is the end of the route, when you reach a deep canyon of intense green and two waterfalls that fall inside.
Ásbyrgi Canyon
We continue to recommend spectacular canyons that very few people know about. In this case, it's located in the north of the country, a little far from the mainland. carMain route but near Dettifoss waterfall, a typical tourist stop. Legend has it that The Asbyrgi canyon is the footprint of the Norse god Odin's horseThis canyon has a curious horseshoe or U-shape, formed by vertical rock walls. You can explore it either from the top of the walls to appreciate the views, or from the interior of the canyon, where there is lush vegetation and a lagoon.
Selfoss Waterfall, the less-visited sister of Detifoss
Almost all travelers have noted in their itineraries DetifossThe most voluminous waterfall in Europe. But few take an extra 15 minutes to gocarsea to know neighboring Selfoss, a waterfall with the same flow and a very interesting shape.
Considering it's only 10 or 15 minutes upriver It is worth visitingWe think it's a beautiful waterfall because it's shaped like a large "V," so there's not just one waterfall, but rather a series of smaller ones along the entire wall.
Moss Fields of Eldhraun
The Eldhraun Moss Fields They are one of Iceland's most unique natural wonders and an essential and quick stop on foot. carThis landscape, covered in a thick blanket of green moss, was formed by the lava of the eruption of Laki volcano in 1783, one of the most devastating in Icelandic history that affected all of Europe.
Over the years, a very rare species of Icelandic moss has slowly covered the lava, creating a very unusual green landscape. Keep in mind that it's protected and you shouldn't step on it, as it takes many years to recover.
We hope that this list with the Best places to see in Iceland, little-known places help you complete your itinerary in the country and enjoy less popular places. We also have many other guides that we wrote while living in this incredible country. Thanks for reading!
