19 Beautiful Hidden Gems in Iceland You Have to See

Are you looking for some beautiful hidden gems in Iceland? Well, after visiting the country many times, here are our 19 favourite places off the beaten path!

When most people think of Iceland, they picture iconic spots like Skógafoss, the Blue Lagoon, or the Golden Circle. And while those places are absolutely worth a visit, there’s so much more to Iceland than the famous stops you see on Instagram.

Over the last few years, we’ve explored Iceland in almost every season, and along the way, we’ve discovered some incredible hidden gems.

Iceland is full of so many places that people drive straight past. In fact, some of our most unforgettable moments have been at places that aren’t on the main tourist trail

So, whether you’re planning your first trip or you’ve already ticked off the big landmarks, here are 19 unbelievable hidden gems in Iceland to add to your itinerary.

*This post may contain affiliate links that earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, read our disclaimer.

Iceland Must-Do’s!

These are 5 bucket-list experiences we recommend to everyone who visits Iceland! ❤️

1. Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

This is the first-ever proper hike we did in Iceland! It was also our very first stop on our Iceland Ring Road trip.

Located just a 45-minute drive from Reykjavik, near the town of Selfoss, this natural geothermal river is utterly beautiful. It does involve a bit of a hike to reach, but it feels like you’re walking through the Highlands, even though you’re fairly close to the city.

How to Visit Reykjadalur Hot Springs Thermal River

You’ll pass valleys, thundering waterfalls, rolling hills, steaming vents, and bubbling mud pools leading to a warm river where you can simply lie there and relax in the middle of nature.

Unlike the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, Reykjadalur is completely free, and the experience feels much more authentic. There are no fancy facilities here – just wooden walkways, wooden boards to change behind and warm flowing water.

The increduble scenery on the hike to the thermal river

Person walking near a small waterfall in a green, hilly landscape with dark volcanic soil and cloudy sky.

The water temperature varies along the river, so you can wander until you find the perfect spot for a soak.

If you can, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it’s quietest. Just be sure to bring a towel, warm clothes to change into, and good hiking boots for the walk up.

👉 Check out our full video for the Reykjadalur hot spring hike.

2. Seltún Geothermal Area

This is another gorgeous spot located just a short distance from Reykjavik.

It often amazes us that almost nobody talks about the amazing things to do on the Reykjanes Peninsula – well, besides the Blue Lagoon, of course! And Seltún is located in this very area.

This geothermal field is a colourful landscape of sulphur deposits, steaming vents, and bubbling mud pools.

A wooden boardwalk winds through the Seltún Geothermal Area in Iceland, surrounded by steaming vents, mineral-stained ground, and rugged hills with patches of snow. The contrast between the reddish-brown earth and white snow creates a striking landscape under a bright blue sky. In the distance, small figures of people can be seen exploring the geothermal terrain.

The wooden boardwalks let you explore the area while still getting close enough to feel the heat rising from the earth. You can climb to the top for fantastic views over the valley, and it’s really so beautiful.

Unlike some of Iceland’s bigger geothermal sites, there are far fewer people, so it feels much more wild. Either way, it’s stunning and one of the most unique places we’ve visited in Iceland.

3. Lake Bláhylur

This place truly took our breath away! It will never fail to amaze us that places like this exist in the world!

Also known as Hnausapollur, Lake Bláhylur is a stunning crater lake in the highlands of Iceland. With its vivid turquoise water surrounded by deep red volcanic walls, it looks like something that belongs to another planet!

Two hikers stand on a rocky ledge overlooking a blue volcanic crater lake with green hills and cloudy sky.

Because it’s a little off the main route, many people never make it here. You can only reach the lake in summer when the Highland roads are open, and it’s quite a rough road, so you’ll need a 4×4.

However, if you’re driving the Golden Circle, it’s a fairly close detour. You could also visit on the way to Landmannalaugar (this was what we did), and it’s a wonderful way to break up the journey.

There’s a short, accessible trail around the crater rim, and the views from the top are unreal, especially on a sunny day when the water practically glows.

TOP TIP: Many of these spots, especially those in the Highlands, are only accessible in summer, and a 4×4 may be required. Always check road.is for real-time road conditions.

4. Þakgil

If you love hiking and exploring the outdoors, we highly recommend taking a trip to Þakgil. Also known as Thakgil, this place is located near Vik.

Once again, we recommend having a 4×4 to reach this place, as it’s around a 40-minute drive down a very bumpy dirt track to reach it. We actually found the road here worse than many of the roads into the Highlands!

Person standing near a waterfall in a moss-covered canyon in Iceland.

However, it’s absolutely worth it. Thakgil is one of those places that will make you fall in love with Iceland all over again!

This peaceful canyon is surrounded by lush green mountains. It’s home to a small campsite and a range of hiking trails, making it ideal for anyone who wants to experience Iceland away from the crowds.

It’s also home to some of the most serene waterfalls in Iceland.

A person in a black and grey jacket stands by a rushing mountain stream with waterfalls in a lush green valley.

A hiker walking along a narrow trail through lush green mossy rocks with towering misty cliffs in the background.

One of the most unique things about Þakgil is its natural cave dining area at the campsite. If you love the idea of waking up in a secluded valley surrounded by towering mountains, you’ll love it here.

We camped here during our Iceland roof-tent road trip, and it was one of our favourite campsites on the trip.

5. Beached Whalers

We visited this spot on the way to hike the Glymur Waterfall, and it’s really unique! You most likely won’t find this one in many other guides to the hidden gems in Iceland.

The Beaches Whalers are two abandoned whaling boats washed up on a small black sand beach. They’re weathered and rusting, but that’s part of what makes it so atmospheric.

Two old ships beached on a rocky shore with cloudy sky above.

We climbed down to the shoreline, and it was super eerie but strangely beautiful. And a stark reminder of Iceland’s past.

It’s a fantastic stop for photographers, history lovers, or anyone who enjoys finding the places most people overlook. When we visited, we were the only ones there, and it was haunting and beautiful all at once.

6. Gunnuhver Hot Springs

Another hidden gem on the Reykjanes Peninsula, this was our very first stop after leaving the airport on our winter itinerary a few years ago! Gunnuhver is one of the most powerful geothermal areas in Iceland, and yet many people skip it entirely.

Alt text: A woman wearing a black and orange jacket stands on a wooden viewing platform at Gunnuhver Hot Springs in Iceland, gazing at massive clouds of steam rising from the geothermal area. The rocky terrain below is colored with mineral deposits, contrasting against the bright blue sky. The steam creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere, with only distant hills visible in the background.

Located near Reykjanes Lighthouse, you’ll find roaring steam vents, bubbling mud pools, and thick mist that swirls across the landscape. There’s also a very pongy smell, especially when the steam blows right in your face!

You won’t need a particularly long stop here. There are boardwalks leading to the vents and some information about the history and legend behind them.

However, if you wanted to stay longer, there’s also a walk you could do down to the lighthouse.

7. Saxhóll Crater

We stopped here on our winter road trip around the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and it was one of our favourite stops. It’s definitely a hidden gem in Iceland, as we were once again some of the only people there.

A metal staircase covered in patches of snow leads up the side of Saxhóll Crater in Iceland. The rugged volcanic landscape is a mix of dark lava rock, sparse vegetation, and white snow, contrasting against the clear blue sky. The path winds up the crater, inviting hikers to ascend for a panoramic view of the surrounding terrain.

This ancient volcanic crater offers one of the best panoramic views in the area.

You’ll have to climb up a short but steep staircase that leads you up to the crater’s rim, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over lava fields and the ocean in the distance.

A hiker in a brown outfit stands triumphantly atop the rugged, dark volcanic rocks of Saxhóll Crater in Iceland. The landscape features jagged lava formations with patches of snow, set against a backdrop of rolling volcanic terrain and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The contrast between the rough, barren ground and the vast open sky creates a striking and adventurous scene.

If it’s winter, we recommend crampons as the stairway was very icy, but it’s fairly easy to climb, so it’s a great stop on a road trip. Plus, if you’re blessed with clear weather, this is one of the best viewpoints in Iceland.

8. Sigöldugljúfur Canyon

Now, this place is another hidden gem in Iceland that’s a little tricky to reach. Located deep in the Highlands, this magnificent canyon can only be accessed by a 4×4 in summer when the F-roads are open.

Nicknamed the Valley of Tears, this place is like a scene pulled straight out of a fantasy film.

The incredible Sigöldugljúfur Canyon on a slightly rainy summer afternoon

There are dozens of waterfalls here, all falling into a bright blue river, surrounded by mossy lava fields. It’s honestly one of the most magical places we’ve ever seen in Iceland.

The extra effort to get here is exactly why it’s often so quiet. If you’re lucky, you might have the entire canyon to yourself.

9. Þórufoss Waterfall

Most people race past Þórufoss on their way to Thingvellir or Geysir without even realising it’s there. Just a short detour off the Golden Circle route, this beautiful, wide waterfall tumbles down a mossy cliff.

You might recognise it if you’re a fan of Game of Thrones – it appeared in season four when one of Daenerys’ dragons swoops down to snack on a goat.

Person standing on mossy rock facing a waterfall in a green valley with cloudy sky.

But beyond its TV fame, Þórufoss is just a peaceful, lesser-visited waterfall with a gorgeous landscape around it.

The parking area is small but right by the viewpoint, and you can either admire it from above or walk down to the water’s edge and see the waterfall from up close.

10. Hellissandur

When you think of Iceland, street art probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But the tiny village of Hellissandur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula will surprise you.

A vibrant mural in Hellissandur, Iceland, covers the side of a building, depicting a Viking warrior on a traditional longship sailing through Arctic waters. The scene blends mythology and nature, featuring snow-capped mountains, orcas swimming beneath the surface, and a dramatic sky transitioning from a northern lights display to a fiery sunset. The mural's bold colors contrast with the snowy ground and rustic surroundings, emphasizing Hellissandur's reputation as Iceland’s street art capital.

Once a quiet fishing village, it’s now famous for its explosion of colourful murals and creative art. We parked in a small car park and went for a little wander around this place while on our Snaefellsnes road trip, and some of the murals are amazing.

There are dozens of large-scale artworks painted on old houses and sheds. This is another stop that doesn’t take long, but it’s a unique, offbeat place that most tourists miss.

11. Kvernufoss Waterfall

This is one of our favourite waterfalls in all of Iceland. Kvernufoss sits just a short walk away from Skógafoss – one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland – and yet a lot less people visit it.

To reach it, you’ll need to go on a short, 10–15 minute walk through a mossy canyon, but it’ll bring you to a quiet and stunning waterfall that’s partially hidden behind curved rock walls.

Standing in front of Kvernufoss in the ice

The best part is that you can actually walk behind Kvernufoss, just like at Seljalandsfoss, down the road, but without the crowds. If you visit early in the morning or later in the evening, you may find yourself completely alone here.

Make sure you wear waterproofs and good shoes, as the ground can be muddy. It can also be really icy if you visit Iceland in winter, but it’s pretty impressive surrounded by icicles.

👉 Check out our full hiking guide to Kvernufoss here.

12. Rjúkandi Waterfall

Located on the east side of Iceland, Rjúkandi is one of those waterfalls that doesn’t often make it onto tourist itineraries. It’s definitely a bit of a hidden gem located in the east of Iceland.

Majestic waterfall cascading down dark rocky cliffs with green moss and grass at the top and sides.

It’s located right by the side of the road, so it makes an easy stop on a trip around the Ring Road. We stopped here on a whim during one of our road trips, and it ended up being well worth the stop.

It’s especially beautiful in summer when the surrounding landscape is lush and green.

13. Svínafellsjökull Glacier Tongue

This is one of our absolute favourite hidden gems in Iceland. Svínafellsjökull is a glacier tongue that stretches out from Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. We think it’s one of the most jaw-dropping natural sights in the country.

An aerial shot over Svínafellsjökull Glacier Tongue - one of the best hidden gems in Iceland

It’s located near the impressive Svartifoss waterfall and the beautiful Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon; however, it’s much less busy.

There’s a car park located just a short walk from the glacier tongue, and the path takes you right up close to the ice. The view is unreal! You can also go for a walk around the area here, which we highly recommend.

14. Gígjagjá (Yoda Cave)

Gígjagjá, better known as Yoda Cave, is one of Iceland’s quirkiest hidden gems.

This small cave, located near Hjörleifshöfði on the south coast, gets its nickname from the entrance, which looks remarkably like the outline of Yoda from Star Wars.

Person standing with arms raised inside a sea cave with large openings to the sky and ocean.

The cave itself is only a short walk from the parking area, and it’s really not a very long visit. However, the scenery is pretty beautiful, and the silhouette from inside the cave is pretty iconic!

👉 Check out our full guide to visiting Yoda Cave!

15. Hjálparfoss

This is another stop that we made on the way to the Highlands on our Landmannalaugar day tour, and we loved it. Hjálparfoss is a double waterfall tucked away in the Þjórsárdalur valley.

The pretty Hjalparfoss waterfall is well worth a visit in Iceland

It’s surrounded by unique basalt rock formations and is a beautiful place that’s often completely overlooked by people rushing along the Ring Road.

We visited here on a sunny morning in early summer. There’s a small car park right next to the viewing area, and it’s just a short walk to reach the viewpoint.

TOP TIP: There were LOTS of flies here when we visited in June, which can get quite annoying, so you might want to wear a fly net.

16. Leirhnjúkur

Located in the north of Iceland near Myvatn Lakes, Leirhnjúkur is a geothermal area that looks like something from another planet. You’ll find lots of yellows, oranges, steaming vents, cracked lava fields, and bubbling pools set against dark volcanic rock.

Geothermal hot spring with milky blue water surrounded by colourful mineral deposits in Iceland.

There’s a walking trail that loops through the area with some parts on raised boardwalks. You’ll see steam rising from the ground and eerie lava fields from past eruptions. It’s one of the most unique places we visited in Iceland.

Walking through the quiet lava fields at Leirhnjúkur

Because it’s slightly off the main tourist route in the north, it sees fewer visitors than places like Geysir or Strokkur. If you want to experience Iceland’s geothermal power without the crowds, this is the place.

17. Krafla Crater

Just a short drive from Leirhnjúkur, Krafla Crater is another underrated gem. The crater lake is a vibrant turquoise colour, which is absolutely beautiful against the oranges and reds of the surroundings.

Turquoise crater lake surrounded by barren volcanic landscape under cloudy sky.

There’s a car park near the base, and with a short walk, you can climb to the top of the crater for incredible views over the whole area.

Turquoise geothermal lake surrounded by colourful volcanic hills and steaming vents in Iceland.

Krafla is part of a larger volcanic system, and there are some other really cool places to visit nearby. It’s also really easy to pair a visit to Krafla with Leirhnjúkur as they’re basically right next to each other.

18. Hot Spring Shower

This is one of those quirky little spots that make Iceland special. Also in the north, we made a quick stop here on the way to Myvatn Lakes from Leirhnjúkur.

It’s located on the side of the road, and it’s literally a shower that constantly pours hot water.

A water pipe dispensing water onto a gravel surface with a cloudy sky and rolling hills in the background.

Despite visiting in June, it was pretty chilly in north Iceland, and the water literally felt like a hot shower! It was pretty crazy and a really cool little photo stop!

Plus, the surrounding scenery, towering mountains and volcanic rocks make this one of the most photogenic showers you’ll ever see.

19. Helgufoss

Last but definitely not least, Helgufoss is a small but beautiful waterfall located just a short drive from Reykjavik. It’s nestled in a peaceful valley and is a real contrast to Iceland’s usual stark landscapes.

We visited this place as our final stop on our ring road itinerary on the way back to Reykjavik and absolutely loved it. There were a few locals here having a picnic, but otherwise, we were the only ones there.

The stunning Helgufoss on a sunny afternoon

There’s a short walking trail that leads down to the waterfall, but it’ll only take about 15 minutes from the car park.

Plus, because it’s so close to the city, it makes a perfect day trip from Reykjavik if you’re looking to escape the crowds without venturing too far.

Final Thoughts: Is it Worth Visiting Hidden Gems in Iceland?

Iceland’s headline sights are famous for a reason, but in our opinion, it’s the hidden gems that give the country its charm. These are the places where you can slow down, explore without crowds, and really feel the natural beauty of this incredible island.

Of course, we love exploring the more popular destinations too, and there are definitely some well-known spots that have been on our bucket lists. For instance, you cannot visit Iceland and not soak in the Blue Lagoon!

However, every now and again, it’s nice to visit places where you can be the only one around. Whether it’s relaxing in a secret hot spring or standing by a lake that looks like it’s out of a storybook, Iceland is full of so many hidden wonders!

We really hope we’ve inspired you to add a few of these places to your itinerary!

Any questions? Ask us anything in our Facebook Group!

👉 Planning a trip to Iceland? Check out our pre-made 7-day Iceland itinerary!