If you’re searching for the best roadside attractions in Iceland beyond the obvious, these are the Iceland roadside attractions that transform your drive into an adventure. Don’t forget to check out our list of 15 epic Iceland road trip ideas!
Most travelers planning an Iceland road trip focus on the big names: South Coast waterfalls, glacier lagoons, Reykjavík, and the Golden Circle. And yes, those places are iconic for a reason. But what truly makes an Iceland road trip unforgettable is finding hidden, off-the-beaten-path stops you did not know you were looking for.
Some of our favorite memories in Iceland are not from the famous attractions. They are from turf churches in quiet fields, less popular waterfalls tucked behind canyons, local natural hot springs, and beaches that look like they belong in another world!
We have listed these hidden gems, roadside attractions in Iceland, to start near Reykjavík and work around the country. Add these stops to your bucketlist trip to Iceland!
20+ Epic Roadside Stops In Iceland You Will Miss If You Blink
Near Reykjavík
This guide has every day trip from Reykjavik that are worth your time. If you have already done all of the best things to do in Reykjavik, this is what you are going to want to be looking for!
Raufarhólshellir
Just outside Reykjavík is one of Iceland’s longest lava tunnels. If you want to start your trip with something adventurous yet accesible start here! You’ll be required to take a tour, such as at the Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel, where one of four different guided tour options is the only way to view the tunnel.
For adventure lovers, you can walk through ancient volcanic veins carved thousands of years ago. In winter, ice naturally forms inside the cave, creating beautiful sculptures. In the summer, light shines through openings in the ceiling, and you’ll find dramatic sunbeams inside, making for epic photos!
Reykjadalur Hot River
If you love hiking and soaking, this is one of the most rewarding roadside attractions in Iceland, just outside the capital city. Near Hveragerði, this hike leads to a steaming river that winds through a lush, green valley.
For those visiting in the summer who enjoy a moderate hike, consider making one of the great roadside attractions in Iceland. Reykjadalur Steam Valley is a magical slice of Iceland because you can literally jump into a river and relax in the hot stream! There is also a 30-60 minute hike to get to this hot river in Iceland, so make sure to budget that time into your schedule when visiting! And remember higher upstream you go, the warmer the water becomes.
Make sure to bring a towel, take your time, and enjoy one of the most rewarding non-touristy hot spring experiences near Reykjavík.
Snæfellsnes Peninsula (West Iceland)
Snæfellsnes is often called “Iceland in Miniature,” and is one of our favorite regions in Iceland. It feels like a mini version of the entire country, and it is packed with quick roadside stops most people skip. No matter where you are coming from, you are going to be taking a detour from Highway 1, also know as Ring Road.
Landbrotalaug Hot Spring
Located about an hour and 45 minutes north of Reykjavik. Near the start of the peninsula, Landbrotalaug is a tiny geothermal pool hidden on an abandoned farm. This hot spring is basically a small hole in the ground and only fits about four people at a time. It feels secluded and secret, like you somehow stumbled upon it by accident.
Búðakirkja
This tiny black church rising from a lava field is moody Iceland at its finest. Our tip is to visit early in the morning or later in the evening for fewer crowds, as it has grown more popular over the years. However, we feel it is worth a stop!
It is a very popular wedding location in Iceland’s national parks, and we can see why!
Ytri Tunga Beach
Most travelers visit Iceland for black sand beaches, but Ytri Tunga offers golden sand and seals lounging just offshore. It is an easy stop and perfect if you love wildlife. Watching the seals from a distance is such a cool experience, especially for those visiting during springtime when they are more active!
Djúpalónssandur Shipwreck Pieces
We think that the black sand beaches are some of the most incredible sites in Iceland, and Djúpalónssandur Beach is no exception. Not only will you view stunning coastal lava formations, but this black sand beach on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is also scattered with rusted pieces of a 1948 shipwreck along the shore.
The twisted metal against the lava rock and crashing waves feels haunting and beautiful at the same time. If it is foggy, it looks almost mystical.
Westfjords (Remote and Wild)
The Westfjords feel remote in the best possible way. Here you will find fewer people, dramatic scenery, and true underrated gems. Well worth the drive for these Iceland Ring Road Stops! Checkout our guide to the best things to do in the WestFjords.
Hellulaug
Found in the Westfjords area of Iceland, the Hellulaug Hot Spring is another geothermal pool that makes it onto this list of hidden gems in Iceland. With a view of the ocean, this hot spring is a great place to relax, especially after the long drive to get there! Just warm water and sea views, where you can revel in the natural beauty of Iceland free of charge!
From the Ring Road, you’ll drive Route 60 for several hours to reach it. The payoff is that you’ll likely have it to yourself. There are no changing rooms and no crowds.
Rauðasandur
Way out in the Westfjords, the part of Iceland most travelers never consider, lies Rauðasandur. The red beaches of Rauðasandur are one of the best things to see in the West Fjords, Iceland road trip.
Instead of black volcanic sand, this beach stretches for miles in shifting shades of gold, rust, and soft pink. Depending on the light, it looks completely different! Sunset here is incredible. It feels vast and empty and like you have the whole world to yourself.
Be aware that the gravel road to get here is very steep and unpaved.
Hörgshlíðarlaug Hot Spring
Hörgshlíðarlaug Hot Spring is another of our favorite places for a soak in the Westfjords. This concrete hot spring pool in the Westfjords sits overlooking both mountains and the ocean.
The water here is about 104°F, and three hoses mix to create a consistent temperature. So you will be nice and warm as you take in the gorgeous views of the ocean and mountains. While it is one of the best free natural hot springs in Iceland, make sure to always ask the nearby farmer for permission to visit.
Krosslaug Hot Springs
Krosslaug Hot Springs is a true hidden gem. Do not confuse this location with the Krosslaug Hot Pot, which is closer to Reykjavik. Not many people know about this place in the Westfjords of Iceland. Krosslaug offers two pools, one larger concrete pool (where swim lessons used to take place) and another smaller pool by the seashore.
On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of Snæfellsjökull National Park in Iceland. Soaking here while looking out at the dramatic coastline is unforgettable.
North Iceland (Dramatic and Rugged)
The north of Iceland is filled with culture, folklore, and dramatic landscapes that feel rugged and wild. Here are some of the best places to visit in North Iceland!
Hvitserkur
On the Vatnsnes Peninsula stands this dramatic sea stack that appears on the beach and rises from beneath the water, towering above everything in the vicinity.
This stunning formation resembles creatures such as an elephant, a rhino, and even a dragon. The drive to get here is wild and isolated, but when you finally see the rock formation rising from black sand, it feels mythic.
Hvitserkur is a photographer’s dream, if you are willing to make the drive!
Grafarkirkja
Grafarkirkja is one of Iceland’s oldest turf churches. It looks like it grew out of the earth. With its wooden walls and grass roof, this is one of the must-see roadside attractions in Iceland that you should not miss when you venture north. And one of our favorite hidden gems to visit in Iceland.
The church is located near Hofsos in North Iceland and was built in the late 17th century. Stick to the outskirts of the church property when visiting and photographing it. Don’t walk on any graves or climb on the church or turf walls.
Glaumbær
For anyone interested in culture and how Icelandic people lived, Glaumbær offers a look into how Icelanders survived harsh winters centuries ago. These connected turf houses look like grassy hills with doors. Inside, you can see how Icelanders lived centuries ago and how they survived harsh winters centuries ago.
Such a cool way, where stepping inside feels like stepping back in time, a very fascinating stop. One of the best museums you can visit! There are 13 buildings, each with its own function, and you get to walk around them all and experience what communal living was like.
Biskupslaug
In the northern valley of Hjaltadalur, this small historic hot spring dates back to the 1600s when Icelandic bishops bathed here. It is not flashy or dramatic, but it combines history and relaxation in one quiet setting.
If you are a history buff, you will love these roadside attractions in iceland is full of history and rarely crowded.
Grettislaug
Perched above the Skagafjörður coast, Grettislaug is a geothermal pool on the Skagafjörður coast. Here you will find stunning ocean views, with mountains in the distance, while seabirds fly overhead.
It feels raw and untamed. Exactly what you picture when you imagine soaking in a remote Icelandic hot spring.
Grjótagjá
Near Lake Mývatn sits Grjótagjá, a small lava cave hiding a geothermal pool inside.
You cannot bathe here anymore because temperatures fluctuate, but stepping inside feels like entering a hidden volcanic chamber filled with steam rising from deep blue water beneath jagged volcanic rock.
It’s a quick roadside stop that feels adventurous without being a full expedition. If you want to explore even more, just outside lies Lofthellir, an ice cave with otherworldly formations. These are fantastic stops, especially if you’re exploring the North or Snæfellsnes regions.
Aldeyjarfoss
If you’re building the best road trip stops in Iceland, this northern detour is worth it. Aldeyjarfoss is a powerful waterfall crashing into a pool surrounded by dramatic basalt columns. This is one of the most beautiful Icelandic waterfalls, although it takes a 4×4 vehicle to reach its remote location within the Icelandic highlands.
It offers similar geology to more famous waterfalls, but with far fewer visitors than those at Svartifoss!. If you are willing to take the detour North, it is absolutely worth it.
East Iceland ( Overlooked yet Beautiful)
East Iceland is quiet and often overlooked, yet beautiful, which makes it perfect for unique roadside stops.
Eggin í Gleðivík
This is the perfect spot to stretch your legs on your East Iceland road trip. In the harbor town of Djúpivogur, thirty-four giant stone eggs line the shore, each representing a local bird species.
It is whimsical and fun, and the perfect place to stretch your legs and take photos that not everyone else has. And probably one of the most unique things to do in Iceland!
Highlands (Summer Access Only)
Sigöldugljúfur
Known as the Valley of Tears because of the many waterfalls flowing down its cliffs, this canyon feels like something out of a fantasy novel. It is a must on any Icelandic scenic drive stops!
You will be taken aback by the beauty of the bright blue, glacial water and the many waterfalls running down the cliffside. It requires a 4WD vehicle and summer conditions, but makes for an Easy-ish stop on an F-road adventure. Walking along the cliff of this epic canyon will make you feel as if you have stepped into a high fantasy novel.
South Coast (Popular for a reason)
Now we loop back toward the popular South Coast. The South Coast makes for the perfect road trip because there are so many amazing things to see close together, and it is easily my favorite place in the whole country!
Gígjagjá (Yoda Cave)
It’s fun, unexpected, and one of those Iceland roadside attractions that most travelers skip entirely. On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula near Hellnar, you will find Gígjagjá Cave, or Yoda Cave as it is affectionately called, and very popular among Star Wars fans.
This quirky cave is just a short walk from a gravel pull-off on the South Coast. The cave opening frames the sky in a shape that resembles Yoda, and once you see it, you can’t unsee it. You will find the road to the cave just east of Vik.
Kvernufoss
Just minutes from one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls (Skogafoss waterfall), Kvernufoss Falls. We have a guide on everything you need to know about Kvernufoss waterfall!
Hidden inside a narrow canyon, plus you can walk behind it! Don’t expect to have this waterfall to yourself, but far fewer people stop here on their trip to the South Coast.
To get to Kvernufoss Waterfall, you are going to put Skogar Museum in your GPS. The hike starts behind the building next to the Skogar Museum that looks like a huge garage. Around the right side, you will see tractors and various items. There is a fence and a small ladder to get over it. This is the beginning of the hike to Kvernufoss Waterfall!
Gljúfrabúi
Gljufabui is overlooked as it is slightly hidden and smaller than its towering neighbor, Seljalandsfoss. Don’t miss out on this South Coast hidden gem waterfall!
After Seljalandsfoss, head to the right (if you’re facing the parking lot), and walk to the campgrounds until you see a sign for the waterfall and a cavern with a river. To get to the waterfall, you’ll have to walk through the river, so be prepared with waterproof boots or a change of shoes.
Once inside, you’ll be greeted with a beautiful waterfall that looks as if it’s pouring through a skylight in nature’s ceiling. There’s a giant boulder in the middle of the cavern, which is easy to climb and take pictures!
Golden Circle Area
This iconic route of the Golden Circle spans 190 miles through Iceland’s unforgettable nature brings you some of the most spectacular landscapes and adventures in Iceland!
Hrunalaug
Hrunalaug is a tiny thermal gem on the Golden Circle, tucked into a grassy hillside near Flúðir. This is a small stone-lined hot pot hidden on private land near Flúðir, and the perfect stop on an Icelandic road trip.
You pay a tiny cash fee and soak like a local. If you’re looking for authentic hot springs in Iceland that feel local rather than commercial, this is one of the best. This Iceland photography spot is super easy to get to; it is just a 5-minute drive off Route 30. Choose from among three different pools to enjoy.
Which one of these things to do in Iceland are on your list! There are so many good options, you really can’t go wrong!
What to Wear in Reykjavik, Iceland: Packing List + Reykjavik Outfit Ideas For Every Season