While Iceland is abundant with famous hot geysers, stunning glaciers, incredible lagoons and magnificent waterfalls, there are also many secret spots worth exploring. Less popular and less visited than most other places, these are unique and adventurous stops in Iceland! Among the hidden gems of Iceland are Kerid Crater, Dyrholaye, Black Sand Beach and Fjadrargljufur Canyon!
Dyrholaey Arch with the Hole in Southern Iceland
Dyrholaey is Arch with the Hole in Southern Iceland, near the town of Vic. It is easily accessible from the Ring Road. The name Dyrholaey means “door hill island” in Icelandic. This amazing spot is windy, cold and breathtaking! If you arrive on a good day, you might be able to see a colony of puffins.
The Dyrhólaey Lighthouse – Central Southern Iceland
Dyrholaey Viewpoint
Black Sand Beach – Reynisdranger
Black Sand Beach in Southern Iceland is a unique geological formation. In the distance you can see the lone rocks, which are actually huge basalt cliff formations, officially called Reynisdranger, from the Black Sand Beach too.
Reynisdranger Peaks in the distance from the Black Sand Beach
Kerid Crater
Kerid Crater is a volcanic crater lake located in the Grímsnes area along the Ring Road. A hidden gem along the main road! During summer, the lake is magnificently bright with steep slopes covered in red volcanic rock. During winter, however, Kerid becomes a giant ice rink!
There is a well structured trail with stairs leading directly to the crater water. Kerid Crater is a must visit secret spot on the map of Iceland!
I highly recommend that you only visit this unforgettable secret spot during the summer when the water is not frozen! It is extremely icy and windy in the winter, and the water in the crater is frozen.
Seljavallalaug Manmade Swimming Pool
Seljavallalaug is an outdoor swimming pool. It was built back in 1928 and you can find it in the beautiful valley that looks like nothing you are used to! Out of this world stunning landscape designed to both shock and inspire. It’s quite a short picturesque hike.
- First you arrive at a small, yet convenient parking lot.
- Next you take a nice hike. It’s a flat stretch that is easy for anyone to do.
- There is small bathroom like structure, where you can change into your bathing suit.
- The pool is rectangular in shape and is quite long. April temperatures of the pool are moderately warm – they are not by any means hot.
Studlagil Canyon
Stuðlagil Canyon is a massive ancient canyon with basalt column like walls near Egilsstadir in East Iceland. This stunning rocky canyon is located on the East Side of Iceland along the ring road and can easily be considered one of the highlights of any Icelandic experience!
There are two entrances to Studlagil Canyon – West and East.
- WEST entrance has long new steep set of metal stairs descending about ⅔ of the way down the canyon with a viewing deck. No access to river, but there are vending machines and hot dog stands and no entrance fee
- EAST entrance is a more popular entrance with long flat walk to access dirt path to descend water’s edge, where swimming is allowed
- BOTH entrances have single gravel access road. Stay right for WEST entrance. Turn left and cross over bridge for EAST entrance.
Fjadrargljufur Canyon
Fjadrargljufur Canyon is a spectacular canyon located in Southern Iceland along my favorite Ring Road. The 2 mile path to the canyon is paved and is maintained very well. At the end point of this hike is the observation platform overlooking Mögárfoss waterfall.
Throughout the hike you will be stunned by the beauty of this deep and narrow canyon with a river flowing through it.
Yoda Cave in Hjorleifshofdi
Yoda Cave is located in the Southern Part of Hjorleifshofdi, around 15 km east of Vik.
Leave a Reply