It is quite clear that Iceland is the place to be right now, it seems like everyone knows someone who has recently been to Iceland! I like to think I started this trend, but I have a feeling it has something to do with how beautiful Iceland is. With popularity comes a price though and many of Iceland’s most popular destinations are now quite crowded, taking away from that natural beauty of the place in my opinion.
If you are you planning a trip to Iceland ask yourself these two questions before you arrive to this beautiful island in the Atlantic …
Do you want to get a real feel for the country and not just visit the larger attractions? Are you interested in exploring places most tourist (or even locals) never visit?
If this sounds exactly up your alley then I have the perfect list to you!
I have teamed up with Expedia.com to share some of Iceland’s less known (and less crowded) spots, these places won’t be secrets for long though so hurry and visit Iceland fast before they become crowded!
1. Dimmuborgir
Strange, unique, beautiful, intriguing, all words that come to mind when I think of Dimmuborgir, a large area covered in lava formations. Located in the north of Iceland these lava formations are not to be missed! The volcanic caves and lava formations found at Dimmuborgir where formed over 2,000 years ago from a lava lake, I am pretty sure some Icelandic elves are wandering around these lava fields as well! There is even an “elf church” found in the lava formations, you really can’t miss this unique stop!
2. Gjáin
Gjáin is one of those places I am never going to stop raving about! And can you blame me? With a fairytale like setting and hardly anyone around it is a real hidden Icelandic gem! Gjáin is hands down one of the most magical places I have ever seen, if you are in Iceland make sure to plan a visit so you can see this gorgeous area for yourself!
3. The Secret Lagoon
One thing you don’t want to forget to pack when coming to Iceland, a bathing suit! Now we have all heard of the Blue Lagoon (and I recommend a swim there, because when in Iceland!) but the Secret Lagoon, now this is the place to visit! One of the oldest pools in Iceland, the Secret Lagoon is kept as natural as possible giving its visitors a truly unique experience!
4. Gljúfrabúi
Iceland is a country covered in waterfalls, but some of these waterfalls, they really stand out (or hide!) from the crowd and Gljúfrabúi is one of them! Located right next door to the popular waterfall Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi is a mostly hidden waterfall that requires a short walk back in a canyon to reach this beauty. Standing inside the canyon with nothing but the mist from Gljúfrabúi around you will be a highlight of your time in Iceland, guaranteed!
5. Fjallsárlón
A trip to see a glacier lagoon has to be on your list when visiting Iceland, I mean you are in Iceland after all! Most choose to visit the beautiful Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, but I am going to let you in on a little secret. Just up the road from Jökulsárlón you will find another glacier lagoon, Fjallsárlón, which is just as beautiful, minus the crowds! Thanks to Hugo and Cristina from Breathe With Us for sharing this beautiful picture! For more information on Fjallsárlón check out their post and get to planning!
6. Brúarfoss
I am always amazed at how few people have heard of Brúarfoss when I mention it! With water so blue it looks magical you would think this place would be at the top of all travel guides! But, lucky for us it isn’t, and the fact that so few people visit here just adds to the magical charm of Brúarfoss! If you make the wise choice to add Brúarfoss to your Iceland itinerary be sure to write down these directions so you will be sure to find the blue waters of Brúarfoss.
7. Krýsuvík
You really can’t visit Iceland without checking out a geothermal area, I mean this country is just bubbling with them! Make it an adventure and head out to Krýsuvík with a stop at Kleifarvatn, the largest lake on the Reykjanes peninsula, along the way. With unique rock formations along the road, gorgeous views over the lake and a not so visited geothermal area you have yourself a perfect “off the beaten path” adventure in Iceland.
8. Grindavík
Iceland is an island, which means it is no challenge to find a charming little fishing town during your time here. One of my favorite little coastal towns that is an easy drive from Reykjavik and doesn’t get as much hype as I think it deserves, Grindavík. It could be the adorable animals you will find running about, or maybe its all the fishing history along with a few shipwrecked boats to check out. Or it could be the charming orange light house found in Grindavík. Okay it is all of these things and then some that make Grindavík a favorite of mine, and I know they will make it one for you too!
9. Háifoss
A visit to the second tallest waterfall in Iceland will bring you a two for one deal! Not only is Háifoss one beauty of a waterfall, it has a pretty neighbor appropriately named Granni, which means neighbor in Icelandic, clever right? These two waterfalls aren’t the easiest to reach but they are certainly worth it. The rock formations surrounding the waterfalls just add to the beauty, especially in the summer months when the moss is bright and green. If you want to visit a waterfall that most don’t make it to when in Iceland visit these two beauties!
Want more beautiful “off the beaten path” places in Iceland to add to your list? Check out my Iceland page for more must see spots and some handy tips as well!
Question of the Day?
Do you like to visit places “off the beaten path”?
