Top 6 Hidden Gems of Iceland

Virtually everyone knows Iceland’s highlights. The Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, the world-class whale watching, the northern lights, they’re all famous for a reason and well worth visiting, but what if you want to get off the beaten track to discover some of the top hidden gems in Iceland?

With a huge, remote interior, mighty glaciers, endless rippling mountain ranges and coastal regions that feel like the edge of the earth, there are few destinations better for exploring when you’re on the hunt for true wilderness and offbeat experiences.

So to help you get inspired for your next holiday in Iceland, here are our top 6 hidden gems in that will get you far from the crowds of tourists and help you have a unique, memorable experience.

1.     Studlagil Basalt Canyon

Located in Eastern Iceland, almost 20km from the famous Route 1 ring road, Studlagil Canyon is one of Iceland’s most dramatic and beautiful canyons, which in a country that is full of jaw-dropping gorges and valleys, is really saying something.

It was formed by the Jökla River, a glacial river flowing down from the Highlands, which had a current so powerful it forced its way through the basalt rock. Since then, the introduction of a nearby hydroelectric plant has lowered the level of the river, revealing a stunning valley of pitch-black basalt columns, cut through by a technicolour-blue glacial river.

It’s also a stunning corner of Iceland to drink in the magic of the Northern Lights, what with it being so far from any light pollution.

Lying off the famed Route 1, it’s remained somewhat of a hidden gem thanks to a lack of signage pointing to it, and its location on the eastern side of the island. To reach it, take the turn off onto road 923 and follow it to the car park, where you can explore this remote, untouched area without the stress of crowds of tourists.

2.     Hellulaug Hot Spring

Everyone’s heard of Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon, and many have also now cottoned on to the lesser-known Sky Lagoon, found just outside the centre of Reykjavik. But there are countless hot springs dotted all over Iceland, some left to be completely natural, some with pools carved out of the rock to encourage bathing.

Situated in the vast maze of the Westfjords, Helluhaug is a hidden gem on the southern coast of this incredible region of Iceland, far from any crowds or queues and boasting magical sea views, as well as a constant temperature of 38 degrees Celsius.

If you’re incredibly lucky and visit in the summer months, you might even be able to do a spot of whale watching from the shore, in your very own hot spring that couldn’t feel further from civilisation.

And what with this hidden gem being so remote, there is no charge whatsoever to enter the small pool. If you have the determination to find it (it’s over two and a half hours from Route 1), then it’s all yours to enjoy.

3.     Glymur Waterfall

Compared to the last two hidden gems, the second highest waterfall in Iceland is relatively close to the capital city of Reykjavik, but that doesn’t make it any easier to get to. The only way to reach the 198 metre tall waterfall is a 3 hour hike, but it’s one of the most rewarding hikes you will be able to find in the whole of Iceland.

You’ll cross rivers with the help of a rope, walk through a cave, and explore a dramatic valley along a narrow mountain path. Eventually, you’ll be greeted by one of the most dramatic waterfalls in Iceland, without having to worry about other tourists getting in that perfect shot you were just lining up.

And with the car park just 45 minutes’ drive from central Reykjavik, it’s an off the beaten track adventure you can complete in a day even if you are staying in the capital.

You might have noticed us calling Glymur the second highest waterfall in Iceland, but it’s still thought of by many as the tallest, as the newly discovered Morsárfoss is difficult to reach and relatively unknown in comparison.