1.Víknaslóðir Hiking Trails

The Víknaslóðir Hiking Trails, also referred to as the “Trails Of The Inlets,” is a not so well known hiking route, yet it remains one of the most versatile hiking trails you will find in western Iceland.  Over the years, the regional locals have refined the many trails that form this hiking pass. It is best to view Víknaslóðir not as a single set route but as a collection of many hiking trails you can freely traverse.

Along the trails, you can witness the sheer size, shape, and variety of colors the mountainscape and its surrounding terrain offer.

2.Kvernufoss Waterfall

The stunning Kvernufoss Waterfall is located near Skogafoss in Southern Iceland. The gorgeous waterfalls stand at a height of 30 meters, hidden away in a gorge and are often overlooked by travelers. The best part of this waterfall is the unique cave hidden behind its falling waters, offering enough space for visitors to trek behind it!

To reach the waterfall, you will have to take a short 20-minute hike from Skogar Museum to the gorge. The hike offers captivating sights of the lush mossy greenery, while the final views of the waterfalls make it well worth the effort! It is one of the top Iceland attractions.

3.Örlygshöfn Cove

The Örlygshöfn Cove is one of the lesser-known hidden gems in Iceland that exemplifies its enchanting beauty. This local favorite offers a tranquil natural environment where visitors can immerse themselves in the natural views. With its vast area of yellow sand, this coastal gem has famously been dubbed the “Golden Beach.”

The golden sand glistening for miles creates a captivating contrast with the incoming waters. The lands here are also famous for horse riding, especially as the sun sets along the shoreline. During the winter nights, you may even witness the magnificent display of northern lights. It is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland.

4. Stakkholtsgja Canyon

Take a hike to the mysterious sheltered Stakkholtsgja Canyon in the southern parts of the Icelandic Highlands, a destination that seems entirely otherworldly. This canyon is known for its majestic hiking trails that lead to an equally stunning waterfall. Every inch of the canyon is brimming with natural beauty that will capture the attention of anyone.

You can hike your way up to the waterfall, which takes around an hour and a half. The trail is beginner friendly and comfortable enough for even children to travel.

5. Kolugljúfur Canyon

The extraordinary Kolugljúfur Canyon is located in northwestern Iceland near the farm Víðidalstunga. The canyon measures 1 kilometer in length and 60 meters in width, giving you plenty of area to explore. The canyon gets its name from a local legend following a giantess named Kola, who would live in the canyon and hunt salmon from the adjoining Vididalsa River. It is this very river that forms the Kolufoss Waterfall, whose cascading waters plunge into the narrow gorge.

Those who visit the Kolugljúfur Canyon should also plan to explore its nearby Kolufoss Waterfall, considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.

6. Glymur Waterfall

The Glymur Waterfall, despite being Iceland’s second tallest waterfall, is not explored as frequently due to its secluded location. You can only get to the waterfall by hiking through the Glymur waterfall trail, but what a beautiful hike it is.

You get to see the Glymur waterfall and several other smaller waterfalls during the hike. The waterfall stands at 198 meters and is super tranquil, offering a mesmerizing display of cascading waters plunging down to the canyon floors.

7. Arctic Henge

Like Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, the Arctic Henge is like a giant sundial casting shadows in precise locations when it captures the sunlight. This mesmerizing circle of stone and earth lies in Raufarhöfn, one of the most remote northern villages in Iceland.

This project was started in 1996 as a monument to the country’s Nordic roots taking the concept of 72 dwarves representing the world’s seasons. Like so, the henge has been constructed using 72 carefully placed blocks, each inscribed with its dwarven name.

8.Klifbrekkufossar Waterfall

Klifbrekkufossar is a stunningly attractive 7-drop waterfall in eastern Iceland, one of its most beautiful Iceland hidden gems. Set between massive cliffs, the waterfall is classified as a single, long waterfall measuring 90 meters in height. It gets its spring-clear waters from the Fjarðará River flowing from above.

The remote location of the waterfall isn’t all that makes it exclusive; it’s the weather. You can only travel to the waterfall in the summer from June to September. The roads to the waterfall and adjoining Mjóifjörður fjords are closed off in the winter.

9.Holuhraun Lava Field

Holuhraun, which roughly translates to “Witch’s Lava,” is the name of the immense lava field found north of the Vatnajökull glacier in Iceland’s Highlands. This 85 km² lava field was formed after an eruption back in 2014 and remains one of the largest lava fields in the country’s geological history. The lava field is exceptionally remote, located between two large volcano systems on the north end of the Dyngjujökull glaciers, making it difficult to reach.

For experienced hikers, you can also explore a marked trail to the north end of the lava field, where sweltering lava cools down.

10. Hrunalaug Hot Springs

The Hrunalaug Hot Springs are located 5 minutes from the Golden Circle, Iceland’s most famous scenic route. It is one of the lesser frequented hot springs in the region, but one well worth the visit.

Here you can enjoy the hot spring waters that calm the nerves and heal the muscles as you enjoy the beauty of the rugged southwest Iceland countryside. The waters of the hot spring come from the nearby volcanic systems divided into three pools with temperatures ranging from 90-104 Fahrenheit.

11. Gljúfrafoss Waterfall

The Gljúfrafoss Waterfall is an exquisite hidden waterfall inside a gorge at Hamragarðar in South Iceland. The waterfall is concealed inside a slot canyon which earned it its name Gljúfrafoss or “Canyon Dweller” as a somewhat obscured creepy destination. But fear not; there is nothing fearful about this waterfall, only stunning sights in store for you.

While the waterfall is somewhat small in size (just around 40 meters), it is no less alluring. We recommend going into the gorge to get eye-opening views of the waterfall – beware, you will get wet from the sprays of the waterfall, so it’s a good idea to bring along some rain gear!

12.Hornstrandir Nature Reserve

The Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is located on the northwestern end of Iceland. Covering around 580 square kilometers, the reserve consists of cooling tundra, jaw-dropping cliffs, mesmerizing flowering fields, and ice. Here you will find over 260 species of flowering plants and ferns, many of which are native to Iceland’s Westfjords.

You may even come across the cheeky Arctic fox, Iceland’s only native mammal. The reserve is also a popular spot for birding enthusiasts as you can spot several nesting species, including the arctic tern, puffin, and black guillemot. It is one of the top things to see in Iceland.

13.Raudasandur Beach

Raudasandur Beach, also known as the “Red Sands Beach,” is one of the most unique beaches in Iceland, named after the changing colors of its sands. The beach stretches for over 10 kilometers, marked by its yellow, orange, red, and brown sands depending on the light striking them. Considering that most beaches in Iceland are black, this beach is a true wonder. With endless red sands marked by blue skies and distant mountains on the horizon, you will love your time here! It is one of the top Iceland beautiful places.

14.Studlagil Basalt Canyon

The Studlagil Basalt Canyon in Easterns Iceland houses the largest number of basalt rock columns in the country alongside the stunning blue-green waters of a glacial river. This canyon has gained attention for its unique setup of basalt columns, hexagonal in shape; they arrange themselves along the walls of the canyon to form a natural wonder for the eyes.

This canyon has only started garnering tourist attention. It was completely submerged under glacial waters a few years back until the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant was built in 2009. After the water levels dropped, they revealed one of the most stunning natural formations in Iceland. In contrast to its standing basalt column lays the glacial river flowing through it, whose blue colors add to the canyon’s ethereal beauty. It is one of the most beautiful places in Iceland.

Explore The Hidden Iceland Gems!

While these Iceland hidden gems are often overlooked by travelers, you don’t want to make the same mistake. The next time you plan a visit to Iceland, be sure to mark these destinations off on your itinerary! To plan a mesmerizing tour through Iceland that takes you through the best-hidden destinations in the country, visit AZS Travels!