Want to get away from the crowds?
Here are some ideas of fantastic Iceland off the beaten path locations.
Some of my favorite landscapes where you are not in a sea of tourists.
Some of those Iceland hidden gems are accessible in 2WD while others require a 4WD and sometimes even river crossing.
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Iceland:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: Whale Watching
Fun activity: Swimming in Silfra Fissure
My favorite places to stay:
- Reykjavik: see best rated hotels – e.g. Vintage Boutique Hotel
- Lake Myvatn: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Laxa
- Vik area: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Vik i Myrdal
Let’s be honest
In recent years, Iceland had become wildly touristic and even the locations that were less visited (for example Fjallsarlon compared to Jokulsarlon) are becoming busier and busier.
Therefore, even the hidden gems are not so hidden anymore…
And the places that are really not yet touch by tourism are overall less impressive.
Therefore in the list below, I am trying to include the less crowded areas… and a few true hidden gems that require a 4WD.
#1 – Trollaskagi Peninsula (2WD – gravel) – enchanted place
About
Trollaskagi is a peninsula North West of Akureyri whose name means “peninsula of the troll”. It is a very mountainous places with deep valleys carved but the glaciers.
Driving alone with stunning valleys and sometimes mountains with patches of snow… It was an unplanned detour and I loved every minute of it.
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the Trollaskagi peninsula
Accessibility
- 2WD OK
- Not paved all the way but no difficulties
#2 – Berserkjahraun – Off the beaten path Iceland road (2WD – gravel)
About
Berserkjahraun is a path on the Northern part of the Snaefellsnes peninsula that deviates into lava fields from the main road circling it.
Not many visitors turn into that little track off the main road although it leads you to stunning scenery.
Lakes, green moss over black lava stones, fjords and strange looking mountain. The track has it all except a glacier!
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the road through the Berserkjahraun Lava field
Accessibility
- 4WD not required,
- bumpy but easy road
Need to rent a car in Iceland?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the narrow streets in villages
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
#3 – South F208 – Iceland off the beaten track (4WD)
About
F208 is a 4WD Road that leaves Road 1 on the South Coast to drive through the Central Highlands, including Landmannalaugar. A stunning off the beaten path experience. It is a succession of incredible landscapes of which my favorite was the one on the photo
I loved the mixture of shapes between the sharp pointy mountains and the soft laces of the river and the contrasts in the colors. No photo can do it justice.
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about Road F208
Accessibility
- 4WD only
- The best part is the South of road F208. It involves river crossings.
- Most tours will take the Northern Part to reach the Highlands. So if you want to enjoy it, you will have to book a private Super Jeep Tour.
#4 – Leirnjukur – less touristy Iceland (2WD)
About
Located in North Iceland, a short drive from Myvatn, this place will transport you to another world.
The lava field is still fuming. Plus you have a Rhyolite mountain and other geothermal features.
It is quite easy to access so you won’t be alone, but it is a lot less visited than other attractions in the region such as Hverir or Dimmuborgir.
Easy walk around.
See more photos on my article about Leirhnjukur
Accessibility
- 2WD to parking
- Not that far from the Ring Road
#5 – Sigoldugljufur – Secret place in Iceland (4WD)
About
Sigoldugljufur is a canyon used to be filled by the river Tungnaá. The water from the lake is now forced into conducts to the power plant. But the canyon is still there for our pleasure. It is off the track of an already 4WD road, so really far from the tourists
Well, just look at the picture: a stunning canyon with a myriad of small waterfalls, and not one tourist around: it is not possible not to fall in love with the place. I just wish I could have slept there to enjoy sunset and sunrise
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the hidden treasure of Sigoldugljufur
Accessibility
- 4WD required
- If coming from the North on F208, the drive is not too difficult. Then you have to stop by the road and walk for around 30 minutes
Where to stay in Iceland?
My favorites:
- Reykjavik, capital city: see best rated accommodations – or my article on where to stay
- Selfoss, between Golden Circle and South Coast: see best rated accommodations
- Vik, near waterfalls and glaciers: see best rated accommodations
- Höfn, gateway to the East fjords: see best rated accommodations
- Egilsstadir, between fjords and North Iceland: see best rated accommodations
- Reykjahlid, for the wonders of Lake Myvatn: see best rated accommodations
- Akureyri, capital of the North: see best rated accommodations
- Grundarfjordur, on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula: see best rated accommodations
#6 – Aldeyjarfoss (4WD or walking)
About
Aldeyjarfoss is a waterfall of the beaten track in North Iceland, 40 km of dirt road from Godafoss on the Ring Road. It is a 20 meter narrow drop into a large basin.
Contrary to Godafoss with is a classic waterfall beauty, Aldeyjarfoss is rugged with crazy basalt features and dry surrounding making it very unique. It is like landing on another planet.
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the Aldeyjarfoss waterfall
Accessibility
- 2WD for most of the road
- Last 5 minutes, 4WD mandatory (F road)
- There is a great tour departing Akureyri, that follows the river to show you the waterfalls: Godafoss, Aldeyjarfoss and Hrafnabjargafoss. Plus some fun off road driving in North Iceland – BOOK YOUR TOUR
#7 – Siglufjordur – Detour for a charming little town
About
Cute town nestled between Mt. Bjólfur (1085m – 3560fr) and Strandartindur (1010m 3314ft).
It is not completely off the beaten track, but since it is quite a detour from the Ring Road you will see a lot less tourists.
The drive down to the fjord is stunning, and the colorful hours surrounded by mountains create an enchanting ambiance.
It is great both in Winter (as picture above) and in Summer.
Accessibility
- 2WD
- easy and beautiful drive
#8 – Hafragilsfoss
About
Almost all tourists heading to North Iceland make a stop to see the powerful Dettifoss waterfall.
But hardly any continue the drive North to reach the beautiful view over Hafragilsfoss.
You cannot get up close, but you have spectacular views of the surrounding canyon!
Learn more on my post about Hafragilsfoss.
Accessibility
- 2WD
- Unpaved
To plan your itinerary, you can check out:
- My general post about planning an Iceland road trip
- My suggested itineraries for 5 days in Iceland
- My suggested for 7 days in Iceland itineraries
- My 4 itineraries to spend 10 days in Iceland
- And my favorite itinerary for 14 days around Iceland
- or get one of my practical eBooks to help you plan your ideal itinerary:
Plan your dream trip in Iceland thanks to my guide
- 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 130+ original photos to help you choose
#9 – Fjadargljufur – Used to be a Hidden gem in Iceland
About
Located along the South Coast of Iceland, this canyon has beautiful shapes like feather.
It involves an easy walk for 5 minutes or 1h depending on how far along you want to go (waterfall at the end).
It is quite easy to access so you won’t be alone, but it is a lot less visited than other attractions in the region.
However, since the Justin Bieber video, it has been getting a lot more visitors.
See more photos on my article about Fjadrargljufur.
Accessibility
- 2WD to parking
- Not that far from the Ring Road
#10 – On top of Hekla – Iceland off the beaten Path (4WD + guide)
About
Culminating at 1491 meters (4892 ft), hekla is one of the most famous active volcanoes in Iceland which was considered to be the Gateway to Hell in the Middle Ages.
The satisfaction of hiking it mixed with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and the thrill of being on an active volcano, you can imagine why I loved it…
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the view from Hekla
Accessibility
- 4WD mandatory
- Day trips in Super Jeep depart from Reykjavik and will combine Landmannalaugar and a drive up a little bit on Hekla
- Note that other tours often mention Hekla, but you only see it from the distance and drive by its lava field. You are not climbing it.
#11 – Thorsmork (4WD – river crossing)
About
Thórsmörk is a Natural Reserve in South Iceland popular among locals and visitors for all the hiking possibilities. It is a valley surrounded by rugged mountains, closed by the glaciers of Tindfjallajökull and Eyjafjallajökull and crossed by impressive glacial rivers.
It is a real adventure to get there and quite a change from the other landscapes of Iceland. Here you have trees and awesome autumn colors.
Discover more photos, info and some planning tips on my dedicated article about the Thorsmork Nature Reserve
Accessibility
- 4WD mandatory
- Very difficult track with many river crossing including a powerful one that is very impressive (I was holding on and did not take any photos…)
- Day trips in Super Jeep depart from Reykjavik and will combine Landmannalaugar and a drive up a little bit on Hekla
And keep track of your own trip!
#12 – Thjofafoss – Icelandic Secret Place (4WD)
About
Located really off the path, Thjofafoss is surrounded by a lava field with some purple rocks creating an interesting scenery.
However, it is really not on any official touristic road.
Accessibility
- 4WD mandatory
- and you need a very good sense of direction
#13 – The West fjords in general
About
The West fjords are a very isolated region with relatively unspoiled wilderness.
The drive tog et there is quite long, so not many people make the trip.
It is home to stunning fjords, beaches, waterfalls, lagoons, wildlife…
Accessibility
- 2WD mandatory
- Mountains roads
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#14 – Anywhere requiring hiking
Considering the changing weather in Iceland, hiking remains quite and adventure.
The percentage of tourists doing big hikes is low.
Therefore you can enjoy beautiful places almost to yourself such as:
- Haifoss waterfall
- Glymur waterfall
- Viknaslodir hiking area
- Mt Herkubreid
- …
#15 – Lanmannalaugar – Not so secret… (4WD)
About
Stunning scenery in the central highlands, with colorful mountains and natural hot springs.
Accessible only by 4WD and yet it is filled with tourists. So off road, but not that off the beaten track.
I am including it in this list, because still many people discover it too late in their planning of the trip. It is better to consider it early since you may need to book a tour.
It is a very scenic location, but know that you won’t be able to enjoy it alone!
Accessibility
- 4WD mandatory
- At least one large pond to cross in all cases from all the roads – but if coming via F208 South, then you will have river crossings as well
- Day trips depart from Reykjavik: see options and availability
How to go off the beaten Path in Iceland
OPTION 1 – Self-drive
If you want to go away from the crowds and explore a bit more, I recommend to rent a 4WD and go on and road trip around Iceland.
Even if you don’t go for the big difficult tracks, by having a 4WD you know you can explore side roads and find great off road locations in Iceland.
- Compare car rental prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
- If you plan on driving on F-roads in the Central Highlands, you need a good 4WD – otherwise, no.
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles (it is a popular island
- See my articles about renting a car in Iceland and driving there.
OPTION 2 – Join Group Tours
Most of the group tours focus on the Highlights but you can find small group excursions that lead you off the beaten path.
Those are mostly adventure tours with ATV or caving…
Check out getyourguide or Viator
OPTION 3 – Super Jeeps
If you want to be able to go anywhere, I recommend splurging for a SuperJeep tour with a professional driver.
They can take you to so many places they know depending on what you like. No waste of time, they know where they are going.
Hidden gems in Reykjavik
The capital city of Iceland, it quite well explored and visited.
There are lots of museums and attractions that are well established:
- Flyover Iceland
- Whale Museum
- Sun voyage statue
- Harpa Concert Hall
- Cathedral
- …
Lesser known areas are:
- Ellidaárdalur Valley, a little bit of wilderness inside the city
- Öskjuhlíd
- Heidmörk a nature reserve with red volcanic hills
- …
Want to see more of the best Iceland has to offer?
- All my favorite things to do in North Iceland – read article
- Tips to plan your Iceland road trip – read article
- Itinerary suggestions – read article
- 45 Most beautiful landscapes in Iceland in pictures – read article
- The best stops on the Ring Road – read article
- 21 Most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland – read article
- Top 5 places to see around Myvatn – read article
- 5 best Lava Fields in Iceland – read article
- The 10 best lava caves in Iceland – read article
- The 5 most beautiful black sand beaches in Iceland – read article
- The Golden Circle – read article
- The Snaefellsnes peninsula – read article
- Where to stay in Reykjavik: see my selection of best hotels
Planning a trip to Iceland?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Iceland thanks to my guide
- 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 100+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 130+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
Want to see more of Iceland’s beauty?
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