Alternative Adventures in Iceland: Venturing Beyond the Golden Circle.
Iceland’s Golden Circle — with its trio of iconic sites, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, and Gullfoss — has become a default destination for visitors. Its beauty is undeniable, but the country’s true charm lies in the roads less traveled. Beyond the Golden Circle lies a landscape shaped by fire and ice, filled with fjords, lava fields, remote fishing villages, and unspoiled natural wonders.
If you’re looking for an Icelandic adventure that goes off the beaten path, the island rewards curiosity with unforgettable experiences. From the highlands to the eastern fjords, and from volcanic deserts to geothermal hot springs hidden in valleys, this journey is for travelers who want to feel the raw pulse of Icelandic nature without the crowds.
The Mystical Highlands: Landmannalaugar and Beyond
Tucked away in the heart of Iceland’s highlands, Landmannalaugar is a colorful, otherworldly expanse of rhyolite mountains, black lava fields, and steaming geothermal springs. While it’s not a secret, its remote location and rugged access roads keep the crowds relatively small.
Landmannalaugar is best explored on foot. Several trails offer varying lengths and difficulty levels, including the famous Laugavegur trek, which continues south toward Thórsmörk. For day-trippers, shorter hikes like Brennisteinsalda and Bláhnúkur reveal vibrant landscapes with hues of red, yellow, green, and gray — the result of volcanic activity and mineral-rich soil.
End your hike with a dip in a natural hot spring near the camping area, surrounded by lava fields and mountain views. It’s the perfect reward for a day of exploration.
The Wild Westfjords: Remote Beauty and Seabird Cliffs
For sheer isolation and rugged beauty, few regions in Iceland compare to the Westfjords. This northwestern corner is often skipped due to its distance from Reykjavik and challenging roads, but those who make the effort are rewarded with spectacular fjords, dramatic sea cliffs, and a sense of utter remoteness.
One must-see destination here is Látrabjarg, Europe’s westernmost point and home to millions of nesting seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. Standing at the edge of the cliffs with the Atlantic Ocean stretching endlessly below is both humbling and exhilarating.
Nearby, the red sands of Rauðisandur offer a surreal contrast to Iceland’s typical black beaches. Dip your toes in the sea, search for seals, and enjoy the peaceful emptiness of this hidden gem.
The East Fjords: Charming Villages and Reindeer Herds
While the southern coast draws many visitors, the east of Iceland remains one of its best-kept secrets. The East Fjords are home to picturesque fishing villages, winding coastal roads, and Iceland’s only wild reindeer population.
Villages like Seyðisfjörður and Borgarfjörður Eystri combine creative energy with scenic beauty. Seyðisfjörður is a hub for artists and musicians, with colorful wooden houses and a peaceful fjord surrounded by mountains. Borgarfjörður Eystri, on the other hand, is known for its elf folklore and hiking routes into the Dyrfjöll mountains, which feel untouched and magical.
The area is also home to some of the country’s best puffin-viewing spots in summer, especially at Hafnarhólmi, where you can get close without disturbing the birds.
Volcanic Wonders of the North: Askja and Myvatn
Iceland’s northern interior holds some of its most fascinating geological marvels. One standout is Askja, a remote volcanic caldera located in the Dyngjufjöll mountains. Reaching it requires a 4×4 and careful planning, but arriving at Víti crater lake — a striking blue pool inside a volcanic crater — makes the effort worthwhile.
The surrounding Ódáðahraun lava field resembles a moonscape, and in fact, NASA once used this area to train Apollo astronauts. The desolate beauty here is awe-inspiring and emphasizes Iceland’s geological power.
Farther west, the Mývatn region offers more accessible but equally stunning volcanic features, including pseudocraters, bubbling mud pots, and lava formations like Dimmuborgir. You can relax in the Mývatn Nature Baths, a less-crowded alternative to the Blue Lagoon, with views of the surrounding geothermal landscape.
Hidden Hot Springs and Caves: Nature’s Secret Spas
While the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon attract the spotlight, Iceland is dotted with natural hot springs and geothermal pools that feel far more intimate and magical. Many require a bit of hiking or insider knowledge, but the reward is a private soak in pristine wilderness.
One of the most beloved is Reykjadalur, or “Steam Valley”, located near Hveragerði. A moderate hike through a scenic valley leads to a warm river where you can bathe in different temperature zones. The views and the steamy atmosphere create a dreamy setting.
Another hidden gem is Hellulaug, a small hot pool nestled beside a fjord in the Westfjords. There’s no changing room, no admission fee — just warm water, ocean views, and silence.
Adventurous travelers can also seek out cave pools like Grjótagjá near Mývatn, a lava cave with a hot spring inside. Though it’s no longer safe for bathing due to high temperatures, it remains an enchanting stop.
Glacier Adventures: Ice Caves and Off-Road Expeditions
Glaciers cover roughly ten percent of Iceland’s surface, and exploring them offers some of the country’s most thrilling experiences. Instead of the popular glacier walks in the south, consider lesser-known options like Vatnajökull’s northern outlets or Langjökull’s inner ice tunnel.
In winter, natural ice caves form within several glaciers, and local guides lead tours to these ephemeral marvels. The blue tones and sculpted textures inside the ice are unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere.
For a truly off-the-grid adventure, you can take a modified super jeep across Langjökull’s snowy expanse or even snowmobile to remote ice caps. These experiences bring home the scale and majesty of Iceland’s frozen world.
Local Encounters and Slow Travel
Venturing beyond the Golden Circle also means encountering Icelandic culture in its most authentic form. When you stay in family-run guesthouses, visit local farms, or chat with artists in remote towns, you gain insight into the resilience and creativity that define life in this challenging environment.
Enjoy homemade lamb stew in a countryside café, learn about wool production on a sheep farm, or attend a local festival celebrating fish or folklore. These slow, human moments are as memorable as the natural wonders.
Travel Tips for Going Off the Beaten Path
Rent a 4×4 vehicle if traveling to highland or remote areas
Always check weather and road conditions at safetravel.is before driving
Stock up on food and fuel in small towns — services can be sparse
Pack layers and waterproof gear, no matter the season
Respect nature and wildlife — leave no trace and stay on marked paths
Conclusion: Discovering Iceland’s Untamed Side
There’s no doubt that the Golden Circle is a great starting point for first-time visitors. But to truly understand the spirit of Iceland — its drama, serenity, and raw natural energy — you must go further. Whether it’s a wind-swept fjord, a quiet hot spring, or a silent volcanic plain, the lesser-known regions offer adventure, solitude, and deep connection with the land.
These alternative adventures don’t just take you beyond the typical tourist trail; they take you into Iceland’s soul.
