Iceland’s “Alternative” Golden Circle

Over the past few years, I have learned something about my travel style…

I don’t really enjoy visiting the “popular” places.

Sure these places are usually the most popular for a reason, but to me, the large crowds tend to take away from a bit of the magic of the place.

Does anyone else feel this way?

With the ever-increasing number of visitors coming to Iceland I find that many places are becoming too crowded and losing a bit of that Icelandic magic. While it can be frustrating at times to arrive at what used to be an always empty waterfall, but now has a tour bus parked right out front, there is still hope.

There is still plenty of Icelandic magic to go around!

Iceland has so much beauty to offer you can almost always find places to enjoy with little to no one else around. If you are like me and enjoy visiting places that aren’t too crowded or are just looking for a quieter day visiting beautiful spots in Iceland, I have the perfect itinerary for you. All of these places are located on or close by, to the famous (and sometimes crowded) Golden Circe route.

This day will take you to the most charming lunch spot, beautiful waterfalls, a relaxing spa, and more! I bring you my “alternative” Golden Circle itinerary.

Kerið

A volcanic crater lake filled with the most vibrant turquoise blue water, Kerið crater is the perfect spot to start your day exploring the hidden gems along the Golden Circle. Located right on the Golden Circle route I am always surprised (and happy!) at how few people stop here. Bonus for all of us though, this just means we can enjoy the creations of the gorgeous Icelandic nature on our own.

Spend some time walking all around Kerið taking in the blue water from all viewpoints. And don’t forget to walk all the way down to the water. The colors really pop the closer you get and the water is so clear you can see it sparkling all the way to the bottom.

Kerið is a great stop for any season, but if you are visiting in the summer months you will be in for a treat as the entire crater is surrounded in bright green colors which make the blues of the water even more stunning!

Friðheimar

Next stop, lunchtime in the most charming greenhouse you will ever visit.

Friðheimar uses the Icelandic geothermal energy in their greenhouses to grow tomatoes and cucumbers year-round. Visitors will take a tour of the greenhouse with (super interesting!) information on how everything in the greenhouse operates before sitting down to enjoy a fresh meal with all the plants surrounding you.

Talk about a real farm-to-table experience!

But seriously, the fresh tomatoes you are going to enjoy, will be surrounding your table, it is so cool!

If you are a tomato lover like me Friðheimar is a must-stop! From tomato soup to tomato cheesecake all the items on the menu are tomato-based. I recommend the delicious tomato soup and bread buffet, it will be the best tomato soup you will taste! And if you do try the tomato cheesecake please let me know how it is, my curiosity is intrigued!

Faxi

Do you enjoy having waterfalls all to yourself?

If yes, (I mean how could you say no?!) Faxi waterfall is a must-stop for you!

Okay, there may be a few other people around, but compared to the popular Gullfoss just up the road Faxi will feel like a hidden oasis.

Trust me guys, beat the crowds and opt for the smaller waterfalls around Iceland, having the place all to yourself is much more magical.

Brúarfoss

The waterfall fun continues with a stop at the unique blue waterfall, Brúarfoss!

You guys, I just can’t get enough of this waterfall. I guarantee this stop will be one you will be talking about to everyone back home, it is just out of this world beautiful!

In addition to being ridiculously beautiful, Brúarfoss is usually free of any large crowds, although it has become quite the popular spot over recent years. Lucklily there is lots of room to wander around this waterfall so you won’t have to worry about getting a good view of the gorgeous water!

Every time I visit Brúarfoss I am amazed at the gorgeous blue color of the water. No matter the season it is a gem, trust me, you don’t want to miss a stop here!

Efstidalur

After all, that waterfall exploring you have definitely worked up an appetite that calls for ice cream. And I know just the spot for the freshest ice cream in Iceland!

The charming Efstidalur.

Efstidalur is a family farm that is now a guesthouse where guests can get first-hand experience of the Icelandic farm life. In addition to the guesthouse, there is a restaurant and ice cream shop where products from the farm are used.

Ice cream doesn’t get fresher than having it right on the farm next to the cows the milk came from!

I recommend trying the salted caramel ice cream at Efstidalur, it is the best ice cream I have ever tried and I am trying to think of a way to get back out every weekend cause I can’t stop thinking about it good!

Laugarvatn Fontana

What better way to end the day of exploring than by relaxing in some of Iceland’s lovely geothermal pools? Enjoy an Icelandic beer while soaking Laugarvatn Fontana and recap all the awesome things you saw in the day!

A beautiful bonus, Laugarvatn Fontana is located right along the Laugarvatn lake so you can take in some gorgeous views while you are relaxing in the geothermal pools.

And with this stop, you have now completed your “alternative” Golden Circle adventure. One that I think is even better than the popular Golden Circle route! Save this map and have your own “alternative” Golden Circle adventure.

Question of the Day?
Do you like trying things off the popular tourist spots when traveling?

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