13 Iceland Hidden Gems You Have to See to Believe
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Iceland hidden gems are what make this place way more exciting than just waterfalls and glaciers. True, Iceland is famous for its waterfalls, geysers, and glaciers, but there’s so much more hiding off the usual maps.
Because I’m always hunting for unique things to do and hidden gems, I did some digging before my trip. But honestly, the best part was stumbling upon some of the most amazing places right along the road that never showed up in any travel guides I checked out before my trip.
From what I’ve seen myself, the coolest spots are the ones almost nobody knows about. I’ve been lucky enough to explore some of Iceland’s best-kept secrets.
In this blog post, I’m spilling the secrets on all those Iceland hidden gems nobody talks about, so you can see a side of the country most people miss.
Trust me, these off the beaten path Iceland locations will make your trip unforgettable! These kinds of discoveries are what make traveling so exciting for me.
And to make it even easier, I’m including a map of all of this Iceland hidden gems, so no stressing over research.
Just turn on that GPS and off you go!
🎁 Discover 25 insanely unique souvenirs from Iceland you’ll actually want to gift (or keep for yourself!)
Know Before You Go
Before you go, here are some essential things to make planning your trip to Iceland easier. I know planning can feel overwhelming, but a little prep goes a long way in saving you time, money, and stress. Below, I’m sharing my personal recommendations to help you get the most out of your trip.
Beautiful Hotels Nearby
- Fjallsarlon igloo – is a unique igloo on the water, so you’re practically alone on a glacial lagoon, with icebergs drifting by. Definitely a one-of-a-kind stay worth experiencing!
- Hótel Skógafoss – is a cozy, welcoming hotel with amazing views and a great location, perfect for exploring the area!
- Hótel Jökulsárlón – Glacier Lagoon Hotel – is a beautiful hotel with an outdoor hot tub, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
Epic Once-in-a-Lifetime Tours You Can’t Miss in This Area
- Northern Lights Hunt & Glacier Lagoon Tour – Chase the Northern Lights and explore the stunning Glacier Lagoon on this unforgettable tour.
- Glacier Lagoon Boat Ride – Take a scenic boat ride through the Glacier Lagoon and take incredible photos.
- Into the Glacier Ice Cave Tour – Go inside an actual glacier on this epic ice cave tour and discover a whole new world beneath the surface!
Stay Connected
I always use eSIM when I travel, and Airlo makes it simple to stay connected without having to remove your current SIM card.
Never Travel to Iceland Without Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is an absolute must when visiting Iceland – the wild weather can completely mess up your plans in minutes!
SafetyWing is an affordable travel insurance designed for travelers who want to explore freely without worrying about the unexpected.
Rent a Car to Explore the Best of Iceland
Renting a car is the best way to explore the stunning landscapes and hidden gems of Iceland at your own pace, and Discover Cars is great for comparing prices and finding the best deal.
🏨 Ready to stay in a place you’ve always dreamed about? Discover 17 unique hotels in Iceland you won’t believe exist — and yes, you can actually afford them!
Iceland Hidden Gems Map
Inside this blog post you’ll find spots where you barely see another soul, which means you get to experience something real and unique.
Hunting for these off the beaten path Iceland locations is like going on a treasure hunt full of surprises.
I created this Iceland hidden gems map for you so you can actually track down these spots that most people miss.
🌏📌 Save this handy map of Iceland hidden gems to easily find all the coolest spots: 👇
13 Amazing Iceland Hidden Gems You Need to Know About
Ready to discover some of off the beaten path Iceland locations? These hidden gems in Iceland are the spots most travelers miss, but trust me, they’re totally worth the visit.
From quiet natural pools to weird museums, there’s something unique waiting for you around every corner.
Bellow are 13 amazing Iceland hidden gems that will blow your mind.
Explore Mars on a Budget – No Spaceship Required!
Mars (Sólkerfið á Reykjanesi), is one of Iceland’s coolest hidden spots that honestly feels like you’ve landed on… well, Mars.
Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, this place is covered in rugged lava fields and strange rocky formations that make it look like a scene straight out of a sci fi movie.
The landscape is full of craters and weird rock shapes that are fun to explore and perfect for exploring and snapping some out-of-this-world photos.
The best part about Mars is that it’s super easy to get to, yet there is literally nobody there. Plus, it’s completely free to visit, so you can explore as much as you want without worrying about tickets or fees.
If you like skipping the crowds and discovering Iceland’s wild side, this spot is a must. You’ll be amazed by how different and unforgettable it feels the moment you arrive.
💎 Ever heard of a beach covered in diamonds? Discover why Diamond Beach in Iceland is one of the most mind-blowing places on Earth!
Bus Cafe
Skool Beans Bus is one of Iceland’s quirkiest little cafes and definitely worth a visit if you’re into discovering Iceland hidden gems.
It’s a cozy coffee shop inside a retro school bus in the town of Vík. It’s small, colorful, and full of character. The vibe is super relaxed and the baristas really know how to make a great cup of coffee.
The best part is you get to enjoy your coffee while sitting inside a bus, pretending you’re on a road trip without actually leaving the city.
Plus, their bagels are delicious and pair perfectly with your coffee. If you want something a little out of the ordinary, this is the place to go.
The Penis Museum… Seriously, It Exists
The Icelandic Phallological Museum is seriously one of the weirdest museums you’ll ever come across. It’s all about penises from whales and seals to land animals, and as of June 2011, it even has one human specimen (yep, you heard that right).
Sounds crazy, right? But the collection is actually pretty fascinating and definitely not your typical museum visit.
The museum also has a quirky collection of mythological penises, bringing a whole new meaning to Icelandic folklore and legends.
If you’re up for something totally different and don’t mind phallus shapes everywhere you look, this place will keep you entertained.
You won’t forget anytime soon.
Trust me. 😳
Grab your ticket to The Icelandic Phallological Museum here and skip the line!
📌 More posts to check out:
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Brimketill Lava Rock Pool
I stumbled on the Brimketill Lava Rock Pool in Iceland totally by chance. From the car, I noticed a small group of about five people gathered in the distance, so I figured I’d go see what was happening. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I made on the trip.
The lava rock pool itself is naturally carved into the volcanic rock and filled with icy cold water. You could see the black lava rocks as far as the eye could reach. It was amazing and definitely surreal.
Honestly, it’s not a place to swim unless… well, you want to die.
The waves were crashing so hard against the black lava rocks that they splashed right over the metal walkway soaking anyone nearby.
The group quickly left so we had the whole place to ourselves, waiting for the big waves to hit so we could get some amazing photos (spoiler alert: we definitely got soaked).
The strong smell of algae was in the air, but honestly, I kind of liked that raw, natural vibe. It reminded me that this place is totally untouched, exactly what makes it such a special Iceland hidden gem.
Gunnuhver Hot Springs
Gunnuhver Hot Springs is one of those places that totally grabs your attention the second you arrive. It’s named after a legendary ghost named Gunna who is said to haunt the springs, which makes it even more interesting.
Located on the Reykjanes Peninsula, it’s a bubbling, steaming geothermal area that looks like the Earth is having a complete meltdown.
The water here can reach temperatures of up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (about 150 degrees Celsius), so definitely don’t try to touch it!
The mud pots bubble and hiss, and the steam rises in thick clouds, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a natural sauna. The smell of sulfur is strong, so don’t expect it to be a spa day, but it looks so cool.
Two ramps are located at the Gunnuhver, so you can look right into the boiling springs, hear the roar, and feel the steam on your face.
Reykjanesviti Lighthouse – The Oldest Lighthouse in Iceland
Reykjanesviti Lighthouse, located right next to Gunnuhver Hot Springs, is the oldest lighthouse in Iceland.
The first lighthouse was built back in 1878, but an earthquake just eight years later pretty much destroyed it. The lighthouse you see today was built around 1907 and hasn’t changed much since.
The spot offers incredible views of waves smashing against the cliffs and wide open skies that are perfect for photos.
It’s a nice place to take a break and enjoy the fresh air. If you’re exploring Iceland hidden gems, this lighthouse is definitely worth a visit.
The Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft
The Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft is one of Iceland’s most fascinating and unusual stops.
Located in the tiny town of Hólmavík, it’s full of stories about witches, magic, and old Icelandic legends. You’ll see everything from ancient spells to replicas of creepy tools that sorcerers used.
One of the most famous exhibits is the Necropants (Nábrók), which are exactly what they sound like: pants made from a dead man’s skin! Legend says they were believed to bring endless money to the wearer, if you dared to make them.
Fortunately, it was a replica, but still… so creepy.
The museum also has many written documents explaining the Icelandic witch trials that ended in burning at the stake, which are fascinating to read. In the Westfjords Region, 16 men and 1 woman were burned at the stake, with the last execution taking place in 1683.
This museum is a little weird, which just makes it more fun. If you love mysterious stories or unusual museums, this one is definitely worth a stop.
The Mystical Sorcerer’s Cottage
If you’ve ever watched tv show Vikings, you’ll immediately feel the vibe at the Sorcerer’s Cottage.
Tucked away in the middle of nowhere in Iceland’s peaceful Strandir area, this spot is completely quiet, with literally nobody around, and best of all, it’s free to visit.
Inside, you’ll find old tools, rustic furniture, furs, and other interesting items that show how sorcerers lived back in the day. And right outside, there’s a small natural hot pool that’s perfect for snapping some great photos.
The Sorcerer’s Cottage is actually part of the Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft, but it’s about a 15-minute drive away. As a huge Vikings fan, I loved imagining what it must have been like to live in a place like this so far from everything else.
Skogar Open Air Museum
Skogar Open Air Museum is a fascinating place where you can step back in time and see how people in Iceland lived from the 1800s to the mid-1900s.
It features authentic turf houses, a school built in 1901, and a tiny church whose interior dates back to 1879. Inside the school, you can even flip through an old yearbook, which gives a cool glimpse into the lives of students from over a century ago.
The museum also showcases farm tools, furniture, household items, and traditional clothing, all carefully preserved to tell the story of everyday life in rural Iceland.
Walking through the different buildings, you start to notice all the small details, from the worn handles on kitchen utensils to the handmade wool sweaters that must have kept people warm through long, cold winters.
You can almost picture families gathered around the fire, cooking dinner, or kids running between the houses playing games. It’s the perfect place to imagine what it was like to live here in a much simpler, yet more challenging, time.
Jarðgangalaug – Hidden Natural Hot Pool & Waterfall
Jarðgangalaug is a waterfall with a natural hot pool tucked away in Iceland’s wild nature. It’s a great spot to relax and warm up after a day of exploring.
You have to walk a little to get there, but it’s totally worth it. The pool is small and surrounded by nature, away from all the busy tourist spots.
There’s a hot waterfall at the top, and the pool sits just below it, right on the edge of a cliff with only a few rocks between you and a big drop.
So, you definitely need to watch your step. This is one of those Iceland hidden gems that not many people know about.
Selatangar
Selatangar is this old fishing village ruin on Iceland’s south coast. It’s a cool spot if you’re into history and nature.
The place was used by fishermen way back in the 1800s and early 1900s, but now all that’s left are some old stone houses that have been battered by the weather for years.
Walking around there really feels like stepping back in time, with the ocean crashing nearby and seagulls doing their thing. It’s pretty quiet and off the beaten path, so you won’t see many people (actually we didn’t see any people).
Selatangar is definitely one of those Iceland hidden gems worth checking out. Just make sure to wear good hiking shoes because the ground can be a bit rough.
Unique Iceland Experiences
Looking for unique Iceland experiences? Well, I’m here to tell you that you’re in the right place. Iceland has plenty of cool activities that go beyond the usual tourist stuff.
It’s not about rushing through a checklist, it’s about having real moments that stick with you. These unique Iceland experiences will make your trip way more fun and different from the typical visit.
Some of these Iceland hidden gems are so special, you won’t find them anywhere else. If you want to see a side of Iceland that most people miss, trying these experiences is the way to go.
Let’s take a look at some of the most unique Iceland experiences you won’t want to miss.
The One And Only – Lava Show
If you’re in Reykjavik or Vik, and want something totally unique, check out the Icelandic Lava Show. It’s the only place in the world where you can see molten lava flowing indoors. The lava heats up to over 1,100 degrees Celsius, and watching it move right in front of you is seriously cool.
The lava used in the show is actually melted lava from the Katla eruption back in 1918, so you’re seeing a piece of Iceland’s volcanic history come alive.
You can even buy a piece of lava from the show as a souvenir, which, of course, I had to do.
Make sure to book your ticket in advance as the seats are limited, and this experience is definitely something you would not want to miss.
The Ice Bar in Reykjavik
✈️ Heading to Reykjavik? Check out my complete itinerary to make the most of your time in the city.
If you’re looking for a cool spot in Reykjavik (literally), the Ice Bar is the place to be. Everything inside is made of ice, from the walls to the glasses you drink from.
The temperature inside is kept below freezing, so you’ll definitely want to grab one of those furry capes they hand out. The drinks are amazing and come served in ice glasses, which makes the whole experience even cooler (pun intended). Also, the ticket includes one free drink, which is amazing.
It’s a fun, unique way to spend an evening, especially if you want to brag about chilling in an actual ice bar.
Just don’t stay too long unless you want to turn into a human popsicle!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best hidden place in Iceland?
If you’re wondering where is the best hidden place in Iceland, Stuðlagil Canyon is one of my top picks. It’s very quiet, and the basalt columns rising along the turquoise river are unreal. It’s not on the usual tourist route, so it still feels like a secret. If you want a real hidden gem, this one is worth the detour.
What should I not miss in Iceland?
If you’re wondering what should I not miss in Iceland, I’d say a road trip around the Golden Circle is essential. You’ll see geysers, waterfalls, and even a bit of history at Thingvellir National Park. Another unforgettable experience in Iceland is the Lava Show, where you can see real molten lava from 1918 right in front of you. On top of that, you have to go on one of many amazing Northern lights tours, as it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Even if you’re short on time, these experiences are absolutely unmissable.
What are unusual things to do in Iceland?
When it comes to unusual things to do in Iceland, you’ve got plenty of options beyond the standard sightseeing. Whale watching is truly incredible experience, especially when you spot a humpback up close. You can also take a puffin tour to see these adorable birds up close in their natural habitat.
Snorkeling between two tectonic plates at Silfra is an incredible unique Iceland experience that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. You can also meet majestic Icelandic horses, go inside an actual ice cave, or just sit under the northern lights. All of these adventures are experiences you’ll remember for the rest of your life, at least I know I will.
Where is the prettiest place in Iceland?
For me, the prettiest place in Iceland has to be Diamond Beach. The chunks of icebergs on the black sand are amazing to see in person. It’s incredibly photogenic, and walking along the shore is surprisingly peaceful. I spend hours on this beach (literarily). Standing there really makes you appreciate Iceland’s unique landscapes. Discover why the Diamond beach in Iceland is one of the most mind-blowing places on Earth.
Where is the most peaceful place in Iceland?
If you are wondering what is the most peaceful place in Iceland, I would say it’s Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The icebergs float slowly across the water, and just watching them is incredibly relaxing. There are many activities you can do on this lagoon, such as kayaking. Also, boat tours are truly an unforgettable experience, getting close to the ice and seeing the lagoon from a different perspective.
One interesting thing about Iceland is that you can actually sleep on a lagoon (a different one – Fjallsárlón Lagoon). If you are interested in this incredible experience, you can check out this glass igloo, which is definitely one of the most unique places to stay in Iceland.
Final Thoughts On Iceland Hidden Gems
Here’s the deal with Iceland hidden gems: if you want to skip the usual tourist spots and see something a bit different, these are the places to check out. Iceland has way more to offer than just waterfalls and glaciers, and these hidden gems show you a side of the country most people miss.
You’ll find cool spots like secret hot pools, quirky museums, and random adventures that make your trip way more unique. Plus, there are fewer crowds, so no stressing over getting the perfect photo or bumping elbows.
Next time you’re planning your trip, don’t just stick to the popular stuff. Go for Iceland hidden gems and discover the cool, unexpected things that make your trip really memorable. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Be sure to check out my blog post on the most mind-blowing place on Earth – Diamond Beach Iceland.
And if you are heading to the Golden Circle don’t miss my blog post with 11 Golden Circle hidden gems you won’t find in most guides.
Got a favorite hidden gem or a place you want to check out? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear from you.
📌 More posts to check out:
🌊 7 Southern Iceland Waterfalls That Look Straight Out of a Movie
🎁 25 Souvenirs from Iceland That Are Totally Unique
❄️ Ultimate Iceland Winter Packing List That Will Change Your Trip
Hi, I’m Vladana! I’m always on the lookout for unique travel experiences and destinations that are a little different from the usual. I love sharing my adventures on my blog with people who are looking for something they won’t find in typical travel guides. I also have a thing for unique boutique and luxury hotels that are an experience in themselves, not just a place to sleep.
