Are you a nature lover or a city lover? If your answer is “both,” the destination you selected, “Reykjavik,” is the best choice you made! Yes, this capital city has got everything to quench the traveler in you. Be it nightlife, wildlife, city tours, beach strolls, swimming, whale watching, music, gardening, or history, the city has it all!
All you need to do is to plan well! If your itinerary is well drafted, you can prioritize the places according to your interests and have the best vacation ever! We decided to come up with ten hidden gems in Reykjavik that will help you create day tours from Reykjavik itinerary. This will be perfect for your next vacation, be it a family trip, a solo trip, or the one with your buddies!
Grotta
If you are a Maverick, Grotta is going to be your choice. It is an under-explored place in the beautiful Reykjavik. This nature reserve is known for birdlife and the northern lights. There is an artificial hot pool where you can get down and touch your feet. The lighthouse is reachable during low tide. You can only fit it into your itinerary if you have six hours to spare. Remember that Grotta is inaccessible if you plan your trip between May 1 and June 30! An exhilarating spot to watch sunset, Grotta is a must-have spot in your itinerary.
Seljavallalaug Pool
A popular tourist destination, this gem of a place takes work to reach. There are no bus tours, but the hiking experience makes it perfect. You have to walk into the mountains and enjoy the glaciers and volcanoes. The oldest and the best, this pool also has a changing room. Untouched by the artificial items, remember to maintain the purity of this land!
Hvitserkur Rock
Hvitserkur stands by itself in Northwest Iceland, just past the fjord called Hunafjordur. This is just a short detour off Iceland’s main Ring Road, which connects Reykir and Blonduos. In Iceland, you are on your own when exploring off-the-beaten paths — tours are not offered. You can take a small rental car on this summertime detour off the Ring Road. Hvitserkur can provide visitors with the perfect foreground in wintertime photos if they are fortunate enough to witness a fantastic display of the northern lights.
Fjadrargljufur Canyon
A short distance from Ring Road lies another magnificent hidden gem in South Iceland: Fjadrargljufur. Some tourists have dubbed it “Sweet Ass Mossy Canyon,” and that’s a fair description. That said, its notoriety has increased due to its inclusion in the widely acclaimed HBO series “Game of Thrones.” Though we can’t guarantee that you’ll see dragons if you visit.
Hofsos Swimming Pool
If you love activities and swimming is a favorite, the Hofos swimming pool is a great option. Located on the Trollaskagi peninsula in North Iceland, this small town is close to Akureyri and boasts the most exquisite infinity pool in Iceland on its hillside. It provides a fantastic view of the fjord. Though it may not be Iceland’s best-kept secret, heading north can be a great way to relax after a tiring day of touring. After a strenuous day of exploring, unwind in the infinity pool’s midnight sun or watch the northern lights dance across the fjord. You will love this place for sure.
Hljodaklettar
Columns of all shapes and sizes of basalt make up Hljodaklettar, or “Sound Rocks.” They are bending and twisting in every direction you can think of. Raudholar (literally, “Red Hills”) are flamboyant red hills with flashes of black and yellow. They are found in very few places in Iceland. They are just as colorful as this place. You can also get close to Hljodaklettar by taking a tour from Akureyri or a tour of Myvatn. That said, renting a car and venturing off the usual path is the best way to see Vesturdalu. You can even pick up a rental car in Akureyri for convenience!
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
The most remote area of Iceland is Hornstrandir, the northernmost point of the Westfjords. In Iceland, this is the furthest you can go from the usual route. The only ways to get there are by boat from Isafjordur or hiking from the end of the road, which is close to KrosIceland’s, for a week and a half. There are no roads leading there. Bring any supplies you might need if you intend to stay there for an extended period, as there are no towns or stores, and the cell service could be better. Not only that, but Iceland’s largest colony of arctic foxes resides here; try to spot some beautiful foxes in their natural environment.
Thakgil Campground
South Iceland is home to the breathtaking haggis (“Roof Canyon”) camping area. This area is close to the village of Vik. Turn left (east) after leaving Vik, approximately 3.7 miles (six kilometers). Drive on that road for approximately 8.7 miles (14 kilometers) after passing the closed-off movie set until you reach a level, verdant valley surrounded by rocky mountains and small rivers. There’s even a dining cave inside, and the space is wind-protected. You wIceland’sto drive yourself there, but it is a worthwhile trip.
Additional Tips for Reaching the Hidden Gems of Iceland
Renting a decent four-wheel drive car is essential to getting to most of those hidden spaces in Iceland, as you’ll probably be traveling on mountain or unpaved gravel roads. It’s also the most excellent way to venture off the beaten track in Iceland, so we recommend it. To ensure you’re covered in an emergency, obtaining full insurance coverage options is also advisable.
Conclusion
Travel sets you free. Reykjavik is a fantastic place that helps you unwind and set your soul free. Proper planning and understanding of the attractions allow you to have the best vacation of your dreams. This blog enables you to plan the trip in a better way. So why wait? Prepare your itinerary, and book your tickets!