Iceland’s Most Famous Places Aren’t the Only Ones Worth Visiting—These 12 Secret Spots Are Worth the Detour

Iceland is full of famous stops, and places like Skógafoss, the Blue Lagoon, and Glacier Lagoon that are truly incredible. But some of our favorite moments on our two trips to Iceland came from places much less known, but no less memorable.

These 12 spots are scattered all around the country, from small waterfalls tucked into mossy hillsides to quiet hot pots by the sea. Many are just minutes from major attractions, yet see a fraction of the visitors.

These are also all places accessible by regular vehicles—none are off of F roads or require 4×4 vehicles to access.

1. Kvernufoss

Despite being literally 3 minutes down the road from Skogafoss, Iceland’s most famous waterfall, Kvernufoss sees just a fraction of the visitors and is easy to miss. However, we LOVED this Icelandic waterfall and think it’s one of the best in Iceland. 

The hike is short and easy, about 0.9 miles round trip. The path follows the bottom of a narrow canyon, with a small stream winding through mossy cliffs and scattered rocks along the way.

Kvernufoss sits tucked at the back of the canyon, with a single drop and a shallow pool at the base. You can also walk behind the waterfall, similar to Seljalandsfoss, which is always rather fun.

The trailhead for Kvernufoss is in the parking lot for the Skogar Museum. Also note that there’s a separate parking fee here, even though it’s very close to Skógafoss.

2. Whale Bone Church (Stykkishólmskirkja)

Stykkishólmskirkja, often called the “Whale Bone Church,” sits in the town of Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in west Iceland. It’s immediately recognizable for its sweeping white curves, especially compared to the more traditional churches you see around the country.

Built in 1990 and designed by architect Jón Haraldsson, the church has a distinctly modern look. The twin arches and flowing lines are meant to resemble the vertebrae of a whale skeleton, though some people also see waves or volcanic ridges depending on the angle.

The interior is simple and understated—it’s really the exterior that makes it memorable.

3. Geothermal Bread

This was one of the most unique experiences we had in Iceland. Rye bread has been a staple in Iceland for centuries, and the geothermal heat that creates hot springs has long been used not just for bathing, but also for cooking food.

You’ll meet at the Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths, then head just outside to the lakeshore with a guide. Here, you’ll learn about the history and process of geothermal bread while digging up a pot of rye bread that’s been baking underground for 24 hours. After that, you’ll bury a new pot for the next day before going back inside to eat.

The bread is cooled briefly, then sliced and served with Icelandic butter and smoked fish from the area. The bread was SO good, I was honestly almost shocked by how delicious it was. And paired with the locally produced smoked fish and butter was perfection.

4. Vok Baths

Vök Baths is a bit off the beaten path in east Iceland, not far from Egilsstaðir. It’s not super unknown, and there are still a good number of people, but it didn’t feel as busy or popular as some of the bigger hot spring spas (like Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon).

This bathhouse sits on a lake. There’s a warm pool on the shoreline, plus two hotter pools floating out on the lake, with incredibly scenic mountains in the background. You can also jump straight from the deck into the lake for a cold plunge before getting back into the hot water.

One edge of the floating pools is open to the lake, creating an infinity pool-style effect. We loved relaxing at the “infinity edge,” dipping our hands in the cold water while soaking, and enjoying the natural beauty around us.

5. Hraunfossar

Hraunfossar is another waterfall northeast of Reykjavík, and it’s a bit out of the way, but we thought it was well worth the detour. What makes this spot different is that it’s really two types of waterfalls in one area.

There’s a blue-teal river running through the canyon, with a more traditional waterfall and some rapids upstream. But the highlight is along the canyon wall, where water seeps out of underground springs and trickles down in countless small rivulets.

Together, the seep springs form a long series of mini-waterfalls spilling into the river, and it’s really unique and incredibly beautiful to see.

A short walking path, roughly half a mile total, takes you to several viewpoints along the gorge. You can cross the river and see the waterfalls from different angles, which helps you appreciate just how far they stretch along the canyon wall.

6. Waterfall Way Hike

While Skogafoss is one of the most popular attractions in Iceland, there’s actually a trail that starts at the top of the falls that is so much quieter. To do this trail, called the Waterfall Way hike, or the Skógá Trail, you’ll climb the staircase beside Skogafoss, enjoy the great views over the falls, then continue upstream along the Skógá River.

The full trail runs about 5 miles (8 km) and passes roughly 25 waterfalls along the way. It’s an incredible hike, but not especially difficult, with great views the entire time. Each waterfall is impressive and unique, and you come upon a new one every few minutes.

If you don’t have the time or energy, you don’t need to go all the way, you get great views and waterfalls immediately, so whether you have 30 minutes or 3 hours, it’ll be a great trail.

7. Kolugljufur Canyon

Kolugljúfur Canyon is a great stop in north Iceland, where the Víðidalsá River cuts through a narrow gorge. The canyon stretches for about 1 km and drops roughly 40 to 50 meters, with steep, rugged walls on both sides.

The Kolufossar waterfall is the start of the canyon. You can start at the upper viewpoint, where a short path follows the rim and gives you a great look down into the gorge. From there, it’s easy to walk closer to the edge and see the waterfall and canyon from different angles.

According to local folklore, the canyon is named after a troll named Kola, who supposedly carved out the gorge herself. Whether or not you buy the legend, it’s a dramatic landscape for such an easy roadside stop.

8. Fosslaug

Just about 10 minutes down the road from Víðimýrarkirkja is a unique natural hot pot in Iceland: Fosslaug, which literally means “waterfall hot spring.” It’s a small, natural pool sitting just feet from a cold river, with a waterfall right behind it.

What makes this one so fun is how close everything is. You can sit in the hot 106°F (41°C) water and practically touch the 40°F (4°C) river, while the powerful falls are just behind you. The contrast is pretty wild.

It takes about 10 minutes to walk to the hot pot from the parking lot. The path crosses farmland, and you’ll open and close four gates along the way. You’ll follow the river, see the waterfall ahead, cross a small stream and a small hill, and then you’re there.

9. Víðimýrarkirkja Turf Church

Víðimýrarkirkja Church is one of the few preserved turf churches in Iceland, and it’s absolutely adorable. Sitting in north central Iceland, it’s an easy stop to add to a Ring Road road trip.

The A-frame chapel has turf walls and a small grassy yard in front, surrounded by a low stone-and-turf fence, with mountains in the distance. There’s also a small graveyard around the church, and the whole setting is simple but really picturesque.

A church has existed here since the 12th century, but the current structure dates to 1834, and was built in traditional Icelandic medieval style.

While the site is maintained by the National Museum of Iceland, it’s still an active parish church.

10. Uxafotafoss

Uxafótafoss is a beautiful waterfall just east of Vík that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. While the turnoff to the short drive to the falls isn’t marked, but you can actually spot it from the Ring Road itself.

The waterfall sits in a small gorge carved into mossy hillsides, with many rocky, cascading drops stepping down through the canyon. A stream winds through the bottom, and the rocky boulders and green slopes give it a particularly rugged feel.

The area from the parking lot to the falls is fenced off, but there’s a small ladder set up to help you cross the fence. From there, you can walk toward the base and see the different tiers of the falls up close.

11. Djúpavogskörin Hot Pot

Djúpavogskörin Hot Pot is an easy one to miss, especially since there aren’t any signs for it. It’s just before the town of Djúpivogur in eastern Iceland, and the parking area looks like nothing more than a small dirt pull-off along the road. From there, it’s a quick walk over a small rise and you’re there.

The hot pot sits right by the sea, with views out over the water and a small stream nearby. You’re soaking in an actual pool set above the ground—so it’s not really a natural hot pot, though it is, of course, fed by the geothermal water.

12. Ægissíðufoss Waterfall

Ægissíðufoss waterfall is not far from the Kerid Crater and other popular Golden Circle sights, but there was hardly anyone else there. It’s a very short walk from the parking area to the river, where you can admire the wide, gentle waterfall. This spot along the river is a popular fishing location with locals, and you might even see people pulling in salmon while you’re there.

The free parking lot is at the end of a ~1 km road off Highway 25. The road is unpaved, full of potholes, and incredibly bumpy. We did it in a regular campervan just fine, but we had to go slowly the entire way.

Final Thoughts

One of the best parts of traveling in Iceland is how many truly spectacular places there are to discover.

If you’re driving the Ring Road, it doesn’t take much to add a few of these to your itinerary. Even choosing one or two can break up the drive and give you a different perspective on the country beyond the most famous highlights.