Is Iceland on your bucket list but not exactly sure where you should go?
Iceland is a bucket list destination, and while the island (and country) isn’t that big compared to Canada or the USA, it can be hard to decide where to go and what to see on a limited time, especially when your family love to discover some off the beaten path locations
In this article, you find some spots you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Iceland.
1. Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar is one of the most popular spots in Iceland. If you want to taste a bit of raw Iceland, you shouldn’t miss this place. It’s located in the Icelandic Highlands and is perfect for day trips as well as multi-day hikes.
Why go
You might hear the label “Rainbow Mountains” which is a great description of this area as this is one of the most colourful places on Earth. You can either hike there or just walk around and enjoy the views of picturesque mountains.
How to get there
Even though the place is in the Highlands, it isn’t super complicated to get there. If you want to go there by car you need a good 4×4 vehicle but there are also tours and buses which would be our recommendations if you want to do that as an a-day trip.
Tips on visiting
- If you decide to go there for more than one day, there is a campsite where you can stay overnight.
- Be sure to try at least one of the best hikes in Landmannalaugar! You can for example hike Bláhnúkur mountain, which is perfect for one day.
- It takes some time to get there from Reykjavík (approximately 3,5 hours). It means if you want to hike there, you need to leave very early in the morning and estimate coming back late in the evening/night.
2. Bifröst
Bifröst is a small city in the west of Iceland right next to Road 1. You won’t find it in many travel guides but it’s worth a visit. Especially if you’re in Reykjavík and looking for day trips.
Why go
Bifröst is surrounded by a more than 3,500-year-old lava field covered with moss and heather. You can admire this field from the Grábrók volcano which is easily accessible and offers nice views. There is also a trail leading you around the area, volcanos, a lake and through the lava field.
How to get there
If you have a car, it is very easy to get there. Just follow Road 1 to Akureyri from Reykjavík. You’ll reach your destination in 1,5 hours. You can also try to hitchhike or you can take a bus going to Akureyri.
Tips on visiting
- The main attractions in this area are the Grábrók volcano and Glanni waterfall, but we recommend you take the whole trail in the area. When you get there, you find many maps and signs which help you to find your way.
- If you have time and energy, you can hike Baula Mountain. It’s around 4 hours and it’s quite challenging.
3. Fimmvörðuháls
If you are a person who is going to Iceland to enjoy some hikes and nature, this is a tip for you. Fimmvörðuháls hike is one of the best one-day treks in Iceland. And it is also a way how to explore the Highlands.
Why go
It connects Skógar and Þórsmörk leading between Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull glaciers. On your way, you’ll get the chance to admire Icelandic nature and see waterfalls, glaciers and raw landscapes of this island.
How to get there
It doesn’t matter if you start from Skógar or Thórsmork. In Skógar, the trail starts right next to the famous Skógafoss waterfall in the south of Iceland. To get to the start in Thórsmork, you need a good 4×4 car and an experience with river crossing. So we’d recommend taking the highland bus that will take you to the trail.
Tips on visiting
- The trail is 22 km long but it’s quite challenging so we don’t recommend it for beginners, or with young children
- On both sides, there are camping sites if you’re feeling like starting the journey in Reykjavík would be too much.
4. Hveradalir
The Hveradalir geothermal area in the Kerlingarfjöll mountains is one of those dreamlike places that makes Iceland what it is – a land of fire and ice. It’s located in the Icelandic highlands and it reminds more famous Landmannalaugar
Why go
Hveradalir is one of the largest geothermal areas in Iceland. It is called “the Valley of the Hot Springs”, so you can guess that there are plenty of them. You can enjoy some hiking, a relaxing bath in a hot spring and even some privacy because not that many people come here (most tourists choose the more famous Landmannalaugar instead). It will also allow you to see some of the most beautiful views of Kerlingarfjöll.
How to get there
The area is accessible only in summer by Kjolur Highland Road. The best way how to get to Hveradalir, especially if you’re travelling alone, is by taking the tour. If you travel by car, you don’t need a 4WD vehicle but it is recommended. You get there by following the highland road F35 then turn on F347 which is the easiest way.
Tips on visiting
- Hike to Kerlingarfjöll hot spring, the only hot spring in the area where you can bathe.
- If you want to enjoy more of these amazing landscapes, you can stay overnight at the Highland Base hotel.
- There are many trails you can choose from for your hike. One of the most popular is the hike to the highest peak in the area – Snækollur.
5. Stakkholtsgjá canyon in Thórsmörk
Thórsmörk is a jaw-dropping nature reserve in the south and at the same time, it’s a place where you can start or finish the 30 km Fimmvörðuháls trail (that we described above).
But Thórsmörk offers many more trails that are doable in one day and suitable even for beginners. One of those is a hike to the magical and cute Stakkholtsgja Canyon.
Why go
The hike through the canyon is easy and there is a nice, hidden waterfall in the end. The canyon is quite wide at its mouth and thanks to its more than 100 metres high rock walls it looks monumental and you feel small while walking there.
How to get there
The road to Stakkholtsgjá is not easy. It requires a larger 4×4 vehicle. From Ring Road in the south, turn north onto Road 249. The same turn will take you to Seljalandsfoss waterfall and the road that leads to Þórsmörk. If you continue, you’ll quickly enter the F249, which is rough and requires a river crossing.
Tips on visiting
- If you want to reach the so-far nameless waterfall, you have to ford or jump over the rocks of the river and go further and further through the rock gorge. The waterfall is not immediately visible from the beginning, but know that it will be there waiting for you.
- There is no path or signs so you just follow the gorge. Be careful as you need to walk on the rocks.
6. Krýsuvík
Are you passionate about the geothermal areas? Then you should visit Krýsuvík, which is not very far from Reykjavík. It is located on Reykjanes Peninsula close to the famous Blue Lagoon. You can hike there, and enjoy some volcanic landscapes, hot springs and bubbling mud pots.
Why go
It’s a perfect place for a day trip from Reykjavík. The area is very volcanically and geothermally active because it lies on the edge of tectonic plates. You can visit Seltún, which is a place where you’ll see many mud pots and hot springs.
A few kilometres from it, there is Lake Kleifarvatn, the largest lake on this peninsula, offering some picturesque landscaping. You can also enjoy some hiking there.
How to get there
The area is very accessible by car or you can also try hitchhiking from Reykjavík, Grindavík or Keflavík where you can get by bus. The area lies around Road 42 which is connected to Road 427 going to Grindavík or Road 42 going from Keflavík to Reykjavík.
Tips on visiting
- Hike Stapatindar or Hellapindar mountains and enjoy beautiful views of Lake Kleifarvatn.
- If you continue Road 42 you will get to the shore where you can visit the famous Krísuvíkurberg Cliffs.
- As we said before, this area has a lot of volcanic activity. Recently, there were a lot of eruptions so always check the conditions before going there.
7. Sigöldugljúfur
Canyon Sigöldugljúfur or Valley of Tears is located in the Highlands and you can pass by it on your way to Landmannalaugar. Even though the place is almost next to one of the most visited areas in Iceland, this place still remains a hidden gem.
Why go
One of the walls of this canyon is made by Lekafossar waterfalls creating a contrast between the relatively barren landscape on one side and the life-filled vegetation on the other. The scene is so picturesque many videographers and photographers come here to get the best shot. The whole image is perfected by the magical blue river flowing through the canyon.
How to get there
Even though the Sigöldugljúfur canyon lies in the Icelandic Highlands, it’s not that hard to get there and you can do it even with a 2WD car. It is next to the F208 road. It might be a bit harder to drive there with a small car but it is manageable. The other option is to leave the car before the hill (next to Sigoldufoss waterfall) and walk to the canyon or try to hitchhike.
Tips on visiting
- This is a very quick trip from Reykjavík so plan it together with a visit to some other places around. It might be your stop at the Rainbow Mountains or if you have a 4WD car, you can combine it with a drive to Haifoss.
- The most beautiful views are during summer when the vegetation is green. The canyon loses its magic a bit during winter.
