Discover Iceland’s Hidden Gems with MWR LIFE! The Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords is just one of many awe-inspiring sights far beyond the popular Golden Circle. While the Golden Circle—featuring Thingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss waterfall, and Geysir geothermal area—is perfect for first-time visitors and those short on time, it has its drawbacks. In 2024, Iceland welcomed nearly 2.3 million international travelers, a startling number given the island’s population of just 380,000. Nearly 99% of visitors arrive at Keflavik Airport, often heading straight to this crowded route, which causes queues, noise, and loss of the wild, remote feel Iceland is known for.
But beyond the Golden Circle, lies a world of untouched landscapes and tranquility. The Eastfjords feature peaceful villages nestled between majestic mountains and serene bays. The northern waters teem with whales and seabirds, offering quiet, unforgettable wildlife experiences. The Reykjanes Peninsula bears the marks of recent volcanic activity, while the highlands present raw, untamed beauty—gravel roads, steaming vents, glacial rivers, and vast, empty plateaus far from modern life.
Despite an expanded airport and new direct flights, the north of Iceland remains a best-kept secret. From Husavik, you can embark on whale-watching tours to spot humpbacks and puffins—often in near silence, thanks to electric-powered boats that ensure a peaceful, sustainable adventure. This hidden side of Iceland invites exploration, offering solitude, authentic culture, and stunning landscapes.
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Discover Northern Iceland with Husavik—a perfect base for whale watching and enjoying long summer nights. Near Husavik, Akureyri stands out as Iceland’s second-largest town, but it feels more like a charming village. From here, you can explore fjords, visit Goðafoss waterfall, or embark on day trips. Knitting is a cherished tradition in the north, celebrated annually with a fest featuring workshops and markets. History lovers should visit Sauðarkrokur to explore medieval sagas at the 1238: The Battle of Iceland exhibit.
Travelers seeking remote beauty should venture into the Eastfjords—a land of raw landscapes and slow pace. Towns like Seyðisfjorður feel like postcard-perfect scenes, with colorful wooden houses and a vibrant art scene. This region is ideal for hiking along coastal paths, waterfalls, and less-crowded scenery. The drive itself is an experience, with reindeer sharing winding roads. For a unique arrival, consider taking the Smyril Line ferry from Denmark, passing through the Faroe Islands before reaching Seyðisfjörður—a relaxed way to start your Icelandic adventure, away from the bustle of Keflavik and into the wild Atlantic.
In the West, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers a miniature Iceland—featuring black sand beaches, lava fields, waterfalls, and the glacier-capped Snaefellsjokull volcano—all accessible within a day trip. Compared to the Westfjords or Eastfjords, it’s more accessible but still quieter than the Golden Circle.
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Svodufoss waterfall and Snaefellsjokull glacier are popular attractions in Iceland, yet without the mass crowds of the Golden Circle.
This region is rich in folklore and literary history.
Snaefellsjokull inspired Journey to the Center of the Earth, and many villages in the area are closely tied to Iceland’s sagas. For a cultural detour, stop by the Settlement Center in Borgarnes to learn about the country’s early days and the stories that shaped its identity.
Farther north, the Westfjords offer some of Iceland’s most remote and dramatic scenery.
Towering cliffs, winding roads, and little in the way of infrastructure give this region a wild, end-of-the-world feel. One of the highlights is Dynjandi, a majestic tiered waterfall that cascades down a mountainside.
Despite the isolation, the town of Isafjorður provides modern comforts, including hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues.
South: Much More Than The Golden Circle
You don’t need to abandon the south entirely, just shift your focus. Instead of the packed paths of Gullfoss or Geysir, drive east of Vik to the glacier lagoon at Jokulsarlon or explore the serpentine Fjaðrargljufur canyon.
Even along the Ring Road, it’s possible to escape the crowd with a little planning.
For something even more offbeat, take a detour to the Katla Geopark for ice cave adventures in near solitude.
The southern region, as with the rest of Iceland, has far more to offer than the Golden Circle, especially for travelers willing to look beyond the obvious.
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