Iceland Destinations

5 Hidden Iceland Destinations Most Tourists Miss

Iceland's popularity has soared in recent years, with millions flocking to see the Northern Lights, Blue Lagoon, and Golden Circle. However, some of the country's most breathtaking locations remain relatively unknown to mass tourism. In this guide, we'll explore five hidden Iceland destinations that will take your Iceland adventure off the beaten path.

1. Stuðlagil Canyon: Iceland's Basalt Column Paradise

What Makes It Special

Stuðlagil Canyon, located in East Iceland, is one of the country's newest tourist attractions, revealed only after the water levels dropped following the construction of the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant. The canyon features some of the most remarkable basalt column formations in Iceland, with towering columns creating geometric patterns that seem almost artificial in their perfection.

Key Facts

  • Location: East Iceland, in the Jökuldalur valley
  • Height of basalt columns: Up to 30 meters
  • River: Jökulsá á Dal (previously called Jökla)
  • Best time to visit: June to September
  • Hiking difficulty: Moderate

How to Get There

To reach Stuðlagil Canyon, drive along Ring Road (Route 1) to Jökuldalur valley. There are two viewing points:

  • East side: Park at the Grund farm parking lot and follow the marked trail
  • West side: Use the parking area near Klaustursel farm

The east side offers the best views and access to the canyon floor but requires a 5km roundtrip hike. The west side provides a quick viewing platform but limited canyon access.

Plan to spend at least half a day here, though a full day is recommended to fully explore the area. Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Rjúkandi Waterfall and Sænautasel Turf House. The best time to visit is from June to September when weather conditions are most favorable.

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2. Glymur Waterfall: Iceland's Former Highest Waterfall

Before the discovery of Morsárfoss, Glymur held the title of Iceland's highest waterfall. At 198 meters, this magnificent cascade creates a spectacular scene as it thunders down through a narrow canyon covered in moss and arctic vegetation. The waterfall, fed by the Botnsá River, offers one of Iceland's most rewarding hiking experiences.

Key Facts

  • Height: 198 meters
  • Location: West Iceland, Hvalfjörður
  • Hiking distance: 7-8km round trip
  • Elevation gain: 300 meters
  • River: Botnsá

How to Get There

From Reykjavík, drive north on Route 1, then take Route 47 into Hvalfjörður. The trailhead is well-marked, with a parking area at the base. The hike involves:

  • Cave passage
  • River crossing (summer only)
  • Wire-assisted rocky sections
  • Multiple viewpoints

Most hikers need 3-4 hours to complete the trail, but planning a full day allows time to enjoy the views and explore nearby attractions like Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls. This location pairs perfectly with exploring West Iceland's many natural wonders.

3. Valley of Tears (Sigöldugljúfur): The Highland's Hidden Paradise

Often called the Valley of Tears, Sigöldugljúfur is a mesmerizing canyon where numerous waterfalls cascade down moss-covered cliffs into turquoise waters below. This Highland gem offers some of Iceland's most photogenic landscapes, with over a dozen parallel falls creating a unique spectacle.

Key Facts

  • Location: Icelandic Highlands
  • Access: 4x4 vehicle required (F-roads)
  • Best time to visit: July to September
  • Number of waterfalls: Over a dozen parallel falls
  • Watercolor: Vibrant turquoise due to glacial minerals

How to Get There

Access is via the Highland F-roads:

  • Take F208 from Ring Road
  • Turn onto F225
  • Look for unmarked parking near Sigalda Power Plant
  • Short walk to viewing points

While you could see the main viewpoints in 2-3 hours, consider spending half a day here to fully appreciate the changing light and different perspectives. The site pairs well with visits to nearby Landmannalaugar, and it's best visited between July and September when Highland roads are open.

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4. Háifoss Waterfall: Ancient Giant of the Highlands

Háifoss, meaning "High Waterfall," is Iceland's third-highest waterfall, dropping an impressive 122 meters into a dramatic rocky canyon. What makes this location particularly special is its twin waterfall, Granni, which falls parallel, creating a unique double-waterfall spectacle. Formed during the end of the last ice age, these falls tell a story of Iceland's geological history.

Key Facts

  • Height: 122 meters
  • Location: Near Þjórsárdalur Valley
  • River: Fossá
  • Age: Formed during the end of the last ice age
  • Accessibility: Improved gravel road access

How to Get There

From Ring Road:

  • Take Route 32 towards Þjórsárdalur
  • Turn onto Route 332
  • Follow signs to Háifoss

Plan for 2-3 hours at minimum, though a half-day to full-day allows time to explore different viewpoints and nearby attractions. The area around Háifoss offers excellent hiking opportunities, and nearby sites include Þjórsárdalur Valley, Hjálparfoss waterfall, and the fascinating Þjóðveldisbærinn Viking farm reconstruction.

5. Múlagljúfur Canyon: The Hidden Giant

Near Vatnajökull National Park lies Múlagljúfur Canyon, a dramatic gorge featuring two stunning waterfalls: Hangandifoss and Múlafoss. The canyon's steep walls, draped in moss and arctic vegetation, create an almost mythical atmosphere that photographers and hikers will love.

Access requires parking near the unmarked gravel road east of Fjallsárlón and following cairns marking the trail. The hike covers 5-6km round trip with 200-300 meters of elevation gain. Having GPS coordinates is recommended as the trail can be difficult to find.

Allow 3-4 hours for the hike, though a full day gives time to explore thoroughly and visit nearby attractions like Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon. This location works perfectly when exploring Iceland's South Coast and Vatnajökull National Park area.

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Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

The optimal time to visit these hidden gems is during the Icelandic summer (June to September) when:

  • Highland roads are open
  • Weather is most stable
  • Trails are clear of snow
  • Daylight extends up to 24 hours

Important Tips

  1. Vehicle Requirements
  • 4x4 necessary for Highland locations
  • High clearance is recommended for most sites
  • Check road conditions before departure
  1. Safety Considerations
  • Always check weather forecasts
  • Inform others of your plans
  • Bring appropriate hiking gear
  • Carry emergency supplies

Suggested Itinerary

To visit all five locations, consider this itinerary:

Day 1: Glymur Waterfall

  • Morning: Hike to Glymur
  • Afternoon: Explore Hvalfjörður

Day 2-3: Highland Destinations

  • Morning: Drive to Háifoss
  • Afternoon: Visit Valley of Tears
  • Next day: Explore surrounding Highland areas

Day 4-5: Eastern Destinations

  • Morning: Drive to Stuðlagil Canyon
  • Full day: Explore the canyon and surroundings
  • Next day: Travel to Múlagljúfur Canyon
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Essential Packing List

If you want to get more recommendations on what to pack for Iceland, read this blog post about essential Iceland packing list.

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Final Thoughts

These five hidden Iceland destinations represent some of Iceland's most spectacular natural wonders, offering experiences far from the tourist crowds. While they require more effort to reach than popular attractions, the reward is experiencing Iceland's raw, untamed beauty in relative solitude.

Remember that weather conditions can change rapidly in Iceland, and some locations may be inaccessible during certain times of the year. Always check local conditions and guidelines before setting out, and be prepared to adjust your plans based on weather and road conditions.

About the Author

Meet Gitana, the adventurous soul behind Tripsiniceland! She has been living in Iceland since 2022, Gitana is passionate about helping travelers discover the best of this stunning country. Through her blog, she shares expert tips and insider advice to ensure you have an unforgettable Icelandic adventure. Whether you're dreaming of glaciers, volcanoes, or hidden gems, Gitana’s goal is to make your Iceland experience truly extraordinary!

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