Igor

We wrote this detailed guide to the Snæfellsnes peninsula, including the top things to do in Snæfellsnes, to help you plan your trip to this amazing region of Iceland. We’ve visited  Snæfellsnes many times over the past years, so everything you’ll read below is our recent personal experience. Well, unlike some other blogs that just rinse and repeat the same “top places in Snæfellsnes” all over again.

Some say that the Snæfellsnes peninsula is like a miniature of Iceland. That might be true. There’s a little bit of everything – hot springs, waterfalls, mountains, wildlife, and even an F-road. Yet, Snæfellsnes is still unique and different from anything else in Iceland. That’s why it’s a perfect spot to explore for a day or two during your trip.

It was hard to narrow all the beauty down to just the 25 best spots in Snæfellsnes, but we did our best.  And psst, we also added five off-the-beaten-path bonuses you typically won’t find in any other article 🙂

Map of Best Snæfellsnes Places

1. Selvallavatn Area

Why Visit

Everyone writing about Snæfellsnes typically begins with the legendary Kirkjufell. Yet, no one mentions Selvallavatn. We will! Selvallavatn is a scenic natural area where most of the niche tours will take you for their first stop when touring Snæfellsnes.

Selvallavatn is a great introduction to the Snæfellsnes peninsula. First, on a clear day, you will get an amazing view over the nearby colorful hills and the Selvallavatn lake. Secondly, there’s a beautiful yet scarcely visited Sheep’s waterfall, or Selvallafoss in Icelandic.

Tips from a Local

• It’s easy to get to Selvallavatn in a 2WD car via paved Road 56 basically all year round, even for visitors with mobility issues
• You can take two short hikes from the parking area – one to the lake and the second one to the nearby hill called Horn – to enjoy even better views

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Our Experience

We often visited Snæfellsnes in fog or when it rained, and we skipped Selvallavatn then. We didn’t want to miss the views.

On a nice sunny day, though, Selvallavatn makes for a short and beautiful stop that is definitely worth doing.

2. Kirkjufell

Why Visit

Kirkjufell is the most photographed spot in Iceland. During sunrise or sunset, with northern lights glowing above, under the snow cover, or with a sunny background. Almost whatever you choose, it’s gonna be picturesque and scenic. Maybe, except for Kirkjufell in the rain and fog, lol.

Apart from Krikjufell, you’ll also find a cute waterfall right next to the parking area called Kirkjufellsfoss. Taking a picture of Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss is definitely one of the top things to do in Snæfellsnes!

Tips from a Local

• Did you know you can take an easy hike right around Kirkjufell itself? And very few people actually do that!
• It used to be possible to climb all the way up to the peak of Kirkjufell. It is a very steep and dangerous hike, in some parts resembling mountain climbing. Several deaths occurred here. In recent years, locals have often closed the peak hiking trail due to that. If you are an experienced climber, always check with locals if the hike is open at the time of your visit.

Our Experience

If we want to avoid crowds in Iceland, we always visit Kirkjufell outside of regular hours, i.e., either super early or super late. There’s a paid car park with enough space. We’ve seen many people not paying for their tickets, and we don’t recommend doing that. There are cameras, and you’ll get a fine.

Rather than parking at the paid car park and fighting the crowds, we often stop further away, along the road, in one of the car parks, or even in Grundarfjörður. We prefer to enjoy Kirkjufell from a distance, with no tourists around.

3. Lóndrangar Cliffs

Why Visit

In our opinion, Lóndrangar Cliffs are one of the best places on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, if not the best. Cliffs are super scenic, and guess what? Puffins are often around!

Puffins are not the only ones, though. Lóndrangar is rich in birdlife, making it a great spot for bird watchers.

Tips from a Local

• When it’s too foggy, it’s not worth visiting Lóndrangar. You will essentially see nothing. This was Lóndrangar in fog during our first visit.
• There are two main viewpoints of Lóndrangar Cliffs – the eastern one and the western one. You can get an amazing sunset photo from the eastern viewpoint. On the other hand, if you visit in the afternoon, it’s best to take the western Lóndrangar viewpoint for your pictures to avoid the sun in the background.

Our Experience

Whenever we drive through Snæfellsnes on a clear day, we always stop at Lóndrangar. This place is magical.

I could stay and watch the waves bashing at the cliffs and birds peacefully hunting for their food all day long. Such a fairy-tale-like place!

4. Ytri Tunga Seals

Why Visit

Ytri Tunga is one of the best places in Iceland to watch seals in their natural habitat. The chances to spot seals here are very high. The seals like to sunbathe on sunny days, but they also populate this area on cloudy days.

Please keep a safe distance of at least 50 meters (160 feet) from Icelandic seals to not disturb them! Don’t ruin their home!

Tips from a Local

• In case the seals are too far away, you can get a bit closer by jumping on rocks. They are very slippery, though, so be very careful!
• Take binoculars! You will get the best seal views without risking slipping on rocks.

Coming in Winter? Be sure to check our Top Winter Places in Snæfellsnes!

Our Experience

We love to take children to this place and play a game of who spots more seals 🙂 There’s a parking place with enough space right next to the viewing area. It’s again best to come on a clear day and give kids the binoculars so that both the seals and your kids are safe.

5. Lýsulaugar Hot Spring

Why Visit

Lýsulaugar, formerly Lýsuholslaug, is the only paid and man-maintained hot spring lagoon in Snæfellsnes. It’s an amazing place to pause and relax during your road trip.

Tips from a Local

• There are four hot pools in total: a) the main pool with lukewarm water and algae, b) two hot jacuzzis of various temperatures, and c) a barrel with cold water
• Don’t be scared of algae. This one is perfectly safe for everyone and actually has health benefits! Just be careful about slipping in the main pool. The algae cover the ground as well.

Our Experience

Bathing in Lýsuholslaug is definitely a very pleasant activity when the weather sucks. We really enjoyed it, despite the place not being anywhere near as picturesque as Hrunalaug or some other “wilder” hot springs. So, it depends on your preference, the weather (and who knows what else) if it’s worth making a detour for you. For us, it definitely is.

6. Hraunlandarif Beach Horse Riding

Why Visit

Hraunlandarif Beach Horse Riding was our top activity in Snæfellsnes. The beach is picturesque, and riding on it on a horse feels like starring in a movie! No matter what your horse-riding skills are.

Tips from a Local

• The minimum age for beach horse riding is 7 years. If your kid is younger, a guide can take him on a horse near the stable instead.
• It’s OK to take this tour in light rain, though we don’t recommend going in heavy rain. It’s possible, just not very pleasant. That being said, if you can make it, even in the rain, it can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Our Experience

The small local family company doing horse riding tours on the Hraunlandarif Beach is called Stóri Kambur. We took their 1-hour tour, and it was lovely!

The guides will not only take you to the beach, but they will also make you cross the lake on a horse! Something we definitely weren’t mentally prepared to do when taking the tour for the first time, lol! But everything went alright and we just ended up with some unforgettable memories!

7. Arnarstapi Village

Why Visit

Arnarstapi is one of the smallest seaside villages in Snæfellsnes, offering some mesmerizing shore and cliff views.

There’s a well-maintained walking path along the entire picturesque shore. That’s where you can admire the power of the waves, the stunning Gattklettur rock, and the Arnarstapi lighthouse.

Tips from a Local

• You’ll find two restaurants, a gas station, a campsite, and several cozy Bed & Breakfasts in Arnarstapi, some with really unique views
• Arnarstapi, contrary to many other spots, can also be visited when the weather is a bit harsher. The village is all paved and accessible also to visitors with mobility issues.

Be sure to save money thanks to our Icelandic discount codes on tours and car rentals!

Our Experience

We have visited Arnastapi both in summer and in winter and love its tiny vibe. You don’t have to spend too much time in here, we typically stay for an hour or so.

The walk along the shore takes about 15 minutes one way and is very easy. Just be careful in winter, as it might be icy and slippery, as basically anywhere else in Iceland.

8. Road 570 – Jökulshálsvegur

Why Visit

Road 570, or Jökulshálsvegur in Icelandic, is a scenic mountain road. It will take you to the highest drivable point on the entire peninsula, right beneath the tallest peak of Snæfellsnes – Snæfellsjökull.

Tips from a Local

• The road is passable for normal passenger cars only in summer, typically from July until September
• The view from the highest point of the road towards the south shore of Snæfellsnes is one of a kind!

Our Experience

For me, as a huge road enthusiast, driving on the 570 is one of the top things to do in Snæfellsnes. We actually had a very unique experience when we drove through Jökulshálsvegur for the first time.

We had planned to drive Jökulshálsvegur for the first time on the 20th of July 2022, which was a year of an extraordinarily strong winter. Everything had already been booked, so we had no choice but to go. On the day of our visit, however, Road 570 was still marked as impassable on www.umferdin.is. We wondered why.

At that time, we had a super jeep rented and were planning to go to the highlands afterward. So, we decided to give it a try and take a look at the road. Worst case, we could turn around.

After about 10 minutes of uphill driving, we soon realized what the problem with the road was. Snow. There were still large snow patches left after winter, located on a steep uphill. We were very hesitant to continue and wanted to turn around as planned in such a case.

At that very same moment, though, we met a local in his jeep driving the other way around. We asked him about the road conditions, and he gave a quick glance at our car and said: “With your car, you can pass it”.  So be it, we said to ourselves, and full of excitement, we went onwards.

Luckily, our jeep was able to pass all the snow patches, and this ride has become deeply rooted in our memories as one of the most exciting rides of our lives! After a few steep patches of snow, we even had to drive through multiple uphill snow tunnels! Don’t try this in the Dacia Duster! 🙂

Right after we finished driving the 570, we looked again at www.umferdin.is, and we saw the road marked in green: “mountain vehicles only”. Only then did we finally realize what had happened. Apparently, a snowplow had driven the road just a few hours, maybe minutes, before us, creating all those snow tunnels and making the road passable. Well, these are the things that can happen to you in Iceland! 🙂

9. Búðakirkja Church

Why Visit

Búðakirkja is an iconic black church. It’s a stunning place for photographers, basically in any kind of weather! Búðakirkja has a firm place among our favorite things to do in Snæfellsnes.

Tips from a Local

• Búðakirkja is generally locked and unavailable for tourists. It only opens for local celebrations, weddings, or special ceremonies.
• The church is located just a 5-minute drive from the main road 54, or Snæfellsnesvegur in Icelandic. You can easily visit it all year round.

Our Experience

Búðakirkja is our popular stop whenever we visit Snæfellsnes. There are rarely many visitors around. Moreover, the place has a unique vibe that’s hard to describe, and you just have to experience it yourself!

The church belongs to one of those places you don’t want to be missing from your Iceland photo album. We visited Búðakirkja in all seasons and can confirm it’s super picturesque both in summer and in winter.

10. Landbrotalaug Hot Spring

Why Visit

Landbrotalaug is a wild hot spring located in the eastern part of Snæfellsnes. Bathing in Landbrotalaug is a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor experience, especially for adventure seekers!

This is a place for those who don’t mind the lack of any facilities such as a changing room, toilet, or any spot to leave your clothes 🙂 This all is part of the Lanbdrotalaug experience!

Tips from a Local

• Landbrotalaug consists of two pools – a smaller, natural pool that fits 2 to 3 people at max and a larger man-made pool with more cloudy water
• Water in the hot springs varies anywhere between 34°C (93°F) to 40°C (104°F) with no predictable patterns. As wild as it gets!

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Our Experience

To reach Landbrotalaug, we took a turn to Stóra-Hraun, a dirt road, working as a detour from the main Road 54 (Snæfellsnesvegur). There’s a gravel parking place that can accommodate up to ten cars. Let’s hope you won’t see that many when there 🙂

It took us just a few minutes to reach the hot spring from the car park. Just bear in mind that there’s no sidewalk or anything similar. If you are going in the rain, there may be water and mud all around. Be ready for it, or don’t go.

We were lucky enough to be alone at Landbrotalaug and loved it! That is, however, often not the case. The pool is getting increasingly popular, so we suggest visiting during non-peak times.

11. Saxhóll Crater

Why Visit

Saxhóll Crater is a unique red volcanic crater overgrown with moss. Saxhóll is a quick and easy stop on the westernmost part of the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Tips from a Local

• Thanks to the attached staircase, you can actually climb the crater all the way to the top to see its base.
• Saxhóll crater is most stunning in summer or whenever there’s no snow. This is when the craters’ colors are the most vibrant.

Our Experience

We visited Saxhóll Crater on our first trip to Snæfellsnes as a quick stop on our journey. We parked our car right at the bottom of the crater in the car park. It took us about 2 minutes to get up the staircase.

Crater is one of the must-see places in Snæfellsnes, though maybe it’s enough to see it just once. For us, it has been. It’s a nice place, though not on our list of “to-return” places.

12. Svöðufoss Waterfall

Why Visit

If you love waterfalls and easy hikes, then you’ll love Svöðufoss! It’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls in northern Snæfellsnes, near the village of Ólafsvík.

Tips from a Local

• Svöðufoss is not the only waterfall in the area. There’s also Kerlingarfoss right next to it! When you are in the area, we recommend you go see both!
• There’s a paved sidewalk leading from the small parking place right below the waterfall. You can visit it in any season. In winter, we recommend wearing spikes, though.

Our Experience

Svöðufoss is scenic and definitely belongs to the less visited places in Snæfellsnes, which is why we like it 🙂 You must drive a short stretch of an easy gravel road to reach the parking spot. It can be easily done even in a 2WD car. In winter, a 4WD car may help you avoid getting stuck in the snow.

It took us about 7 minutes of walking to reach Svöðufoss from the car park. You can even climb above the waterfall and back. This will add about 30 minutes as a round-trip to your hike.

13. Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge

Why Visit

Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge is a beautiful canyon in southern Snæfellsnes that you can actually hike into. It’s a stunning place for anyone who enjoys ravines, not that much for others, though.

If you decide to hike into the gorge, get ready for slippery stones and potentially wet shoes 🙂

Tips from a Local

• The deeper you get into the gorge, the harder it gets to pass. Some parts even require a bit of climbing. This hike is only for the fit ones. You can always turn back at any time, though.
• Rauðfeldsgjá Gorge is a very popular tourist spot. If you want to avoid such places, then Rauðfeldsgjá is not a place for you.
• The gorge is accessible in summer only, or at least outside of the snow season. In winter, it gets filled with snow and ice, making it dangerous to visit.

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Our Experience

The last time we visited Rauðfeldsgjá in July, a lot of people were trying to cram in and out of the place alongside us. At some points, there were even queues out there. This is the part we like the least about the gorge.

The deeper we got into the gorge, the more people we met giving up to proceed. And for a reason. We had to do some climbing on slippery stones to be able to get further into the ravine.

At one point, we reached the spot where we could only see a little waterfall in front of us and no other path. I guess this is the furthest you can go, but I may be wrong 🙂 We turned back. Nevertheless, Rauðfeldsgjá is nice but has not enchanted us that much compared to many other amazing places in Iceland.

14. Djúpalónssandur Beach

Why Visit

Djúpalónssandur is one of the most beautiful black sand beaches in Snæfellsnes. It’s a very popular place among tourists, with several visitor paths available.

Tips from a Local

• At one point, Djúpalónssandur was even closed to visitors due to over-tourism and nature protection. Since then, barriers and walking paths have been built.
• Dangerous “sneaky waves” may occur at the beach, similar to the Reynisfjara black sand beach. Don’t get too close to the water!

Our Experience

While Djúpalónssandur is often cited among the best places to visit in Snæfellsnes, it’s not among our top favorites. The main reason is that many people visit the beach, and you can find many other remote places in Iceland, including beaches, that are similarly beautiful and much less populated.

That being said, it’s very easy to see the beach, and you can just make a quick stop and form your own opinion 🙂

15. Berserkjahraun Road

Why Visit

Berserkjahraunsvegur, or Road 558, is one of the most epic roads you can drive in Snæfellsnes. It leads THROUGH the lava field and can be very scenic on a nice sunny day.

Beware, though, Berserkjahraun is a tertiary road, not your regular Icelandic road. You won’t find it on all the maps. But it’s a simple drive you can effortlessly make even in a 2WD car in the summer.

Tips from a Local

• The road is typically open and passable only in summer, between June and October.
• There are many beautiful photo spots along the track. When stopping your car, leave enough space for other cars to pass, and never step on the moss!

Our Experience

We enjoyed Berserkjahraun on a beautiful sunny day in July and will definitely come back also next time. The road is short and offers some really nice views around the area.

Road 558 passes, among others, two beautiful small fjords – Hraunsfjörður and Seljafjörður.

16. Vatnshellir Cave

Why Visit

Vatnshellir Cave is the most popular dry cave in Snæfellsnes, and it is accessible at any time of the year. You have to take the tour to see it in full.

Tips from a Local

• Wear sturdy shoes and dress accordingly. The temperature in the cave is cool year-round—usually around 0–4°C (32–39°F).
• The tour can sell out. We recommend booking in advance and rescheduling your tour free of charge up to 4 hours before departure.

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Our Experience

If you are a fan of caves, Vatnshellir is one of the must-sees in Snæfellsnes for you. We are more into ice caves, so Vatnshellir is not really our thing, but that doesn’t have to be the same for others.

Vatnshellir descends roughly 35 meters underground via a spiral staircase, so it’s crucial to follow guidelines to avoid any accidents.

17. Grundarfjörður

Why Visit

Grundarfjörður is a charming town right next to the legendary Kirjufell mountain. You’ll get one-of-a-kind views of Kirkjufell from many places around Grundarfjörður. Besides that, the town has a lovely vibe and some great eateries and cafes.

Tips from a Local

• Don’t miss the sunset behind Kirkjufell as observed from Grundarfjörður!
• Want to enjoy Kirkjufell for even longer? Book one of the accommodations with a Kirkjufell view!

Our Experience

There’s all you need in Grundarfjörður as a traveler – a campground, a supermarket, a gas station, and many different lodging options.

We always stop in Grundarfjörður when in Snæfellsnes. Well, partially because there’s pretty much no other option nearby, but not only due to that :))

We love the atmosphere of the town and can highly recommend the Bjargarsteinn Mathús restaurant with scenic Kirkjufell views, too. Make a reservation; the place is basically always fully booked!

18. Killer Whales Watching

Why Visit

Iceland is a paradise for whale-watching enthusiasts. And Orcas, or Killer Whales, are arguably the most famous visitors to Snæfellsnes! They’re especially common around the winter and early spring months, drawn by migrating herring.

Tips from a Local

• Take the whale-watching tour from Hólmavík. Locals operate it, and it’s lovely!
• Apart from Orcas, sperm whales are frequently encountered off Snæfellsnes in deeper waters, particularly in spring and summer.

Our Experience

We have yet to see Orcas and sperm whales in Snæfellsnes, but we’ve only heard great things about them! Seeing Orcas play in the ocean is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a must-do in Snæfellsnes!

19. Eldborg Crater

Why Visit

Eldborg Crater is a nice introduction to the Snæfellsnes peninsula and a great hike for all volcano lovers. The crater boasts various beautiful lava formations of different colors.

Tips from a Local

• Don’t mistake Eldborg in Snæfellsnes with Eldborg in Reykjanes. These are two different craters 🙂 There are actually more “Eldborgs” around Iceland due to ancient naming conventions.
• The hiking trail can be muddy or slippery, depending on weather conditions. Wear hiking boots and dress in layers to adapt to potential weather changes.

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Our Experience

The Eldborg Crater hike is easy as such, with an approximately 4km (2.5 mi) long hiking trail. It will take you approximately two hours to complete as a round trip.

The last part of the hike has a chain, so we don’t recommend it for those with reduced mobility.

20. Svörtuloft Lighthouse

Why Visit

Admiring stylish Icelandic lighthouses is one of our favorite things to do in Snæfellsnes. You can find eight lighthouses on the peninsula, and Svörtuloft lighthouse is arguably the most beautiful of them all!

Tips from a Local

• You can access Svörtuloft by car. No hike is needed. There’s a paved sidewalk around the lighthouse.
• The access road 579, or Öndverðarnesvegur, can get quite rough in winter. Be ready to turn around soon enough not to get stuck.

Our Experience

Svörtuloft is one of these places where we were alone basically every time we got there. And the lighthouse is not the only thing to come for!

One-of-a-kind views of the nearby cliffs and seashore will reveal in front of you from several viewing platforms around the lighthouse. The place is beautiful. Just don’t come in bad weather. The wind can get really nasty in here!

21. Snæfellsjökull Summit

Why Visit

Snæfellsjökull is the highest point in Snæfellsnes. Seeing the peak is only for the fit ones and the most adventurous ones. You have to take a guided glacier hike to reach the peak.

Once you do, you’ll be rewarded with unbelievable views of the entire Snæfellsnes peninsula!

Tips from a Local

• This is a dangerous hike you should never do alone. There are many crevasses where you can fall and die. It’s absolutely necessary you know exactly where you’re going.
• You can take a guided group tour to Snæfellsjökull from Arnarstapi, or we can arrange a private guide for you

Our Experience

We don’t recommend the hike to anyone with mobility problems, nor children below the age of 16. The roundtrip takes about 7 hours. You inevitably have to wear layers and proper clothes. A guide will provide glacier gear for you.

The hike is mostly done on snow-covered glaciers and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! No prior glacier hiking experience is required. Just basic hiking skills.

22. Stapafell Mountain

Why Visit

Stapafell is one of the most picturesque mountains in Snæfellsnes. You can see it from the town of Arnarstapi or when driving on roads 570 or 574 nearby.

Tips from a Local

• Stapafell is actually an old volcano.
• You can’t climb Stapafell. There’s no hiking trail leading to it.

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Our Experience

Stapafell is a great spot for photographers! One of the best photo angles you can get is from the village of Arnarstapi. There, you can take a shot from around Músagjá, with a little lake in front of you, or basically from anywhere around the Arnarstapi shore.

23. Grundarfoss

Why Visit

Grundarfoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Snæfellsnes. It’s a nice family hike just next to the town of Grundarfjörður.

Tips from a Local

• The hiking trail to Grundarfoss starts at the edge of Road 54, and there’s a free parking area next to it.
• You can also climb to the top of the waterfall from the right side.
• Horses from nearby farms will often be your company. Please, don’t feed them, just observe them.

Our Experience

We could partially see Grundarfoss from the car park already. It then took us roughly 15 minutes to reach the bottom of the waterfall.

The views from the hike and from the top of the waterfall are beautiful, especially on a clear day.

24. Stykkishólmur

Why Visit

Stykkishólmur is the biggest yet still cute town in Snæfellsnes. There’s all you may possibly need – a campsite, restaurants, a gas station, lodgings, a lighthouse, and even a small airport.

Tips from a Local

• A tiny harbor in Stykkishólmur is quite picturesque.
• Try “Sjávarpakkhúsið” restaurant, it’s worth it!

Our Experience

We always make a quick stop in Stykkishólmur when we are in the area. We like the peaceful vibe of the town. Oh, and don’t miss the modern church there!

25. Gerðuberg Cliffs

Why Visit

Gerðuberg Cliffs are one of the signature spots to see in Snæfellsnes. The interestingly shaped basalt columns resemble the Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavik and also Reynisfjara black sand beach.

Tips from a Local

• A tiny church – Rauðamelskirkja – just around the corner is free to see
• A gravel road off the main road 54 leads to Gerðuberg, but it’s typically accessible all year round, often even in a 2WD car

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Our Experience

Gerðuberg Cliffs is the place you will find in most of the guidebooks and where all the ordinary tours will take you. Do we like it that much? Not really. It’s nice, don’t get me wrong, but it was not a highlight of Snæfellsnes for me.

If you are around and have a bit of spare time, then surely go see it. Just don’t expect too much.

H1. Sturlungalaug Hot Spring

Why Visit

Sturlungalaug is an off-the-beaten-path hot spring away from civilisation and also from any comfort 🙂 It’s basically a hot hole in the grass in the middle of nowhere.

Tips from a Local

• You have to do a bit of research to find a bumpy gravel road leading to Sturlungalaug. Moreover, the road is typically passable only in summer, when it’s not covered by snow.
• No changing room. No place to leave your clothes at. No guarantee of a hot spring temperature. Wet grass all around? Possible.

Our Experience

Sturlungalaug is actually a type of hot spring we adore. Yes, it may be uncomfortable to visit, but its wild vibe is what makes it unique!

We’ve been here alone and will come back one day!

H2. Kolgrafarfjörður Bridge

Why Visit

Have you ever seen a drone photo of a stunningly scenic Icelandic road that looked almost artificial? Well, that might have been Kolgrafarfjörður Bridge! It’s located in Kolgrafarfjörður in Snæfellsnes, between the towns of Grundarfjörður and Stykkishólmur.

Kolgrafarfjörður Bridge is one of the best drone photo spots on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Whether in summer or in winter, it’s one of the most picturesque roads in Iceland!

Tips from a Local

• Do not park on the bridge. There’s no designated parking space. Find a place somewhere nearby and walk the final meters.
• If you don’t have a drone, don’t be sad! You can take a look at the beautiful fjord from the ground as well. The best ground viewpoint is located on Road 54, just west of the bridge.

Our Experience

We love Kolgrafarfjörður because it’s very little known and far from all the tourist crowds. In spite of the bridge having quite frequent traffic, almost nobody stops to enjoy the views over the fjord!

H3. Skarðsvík Beach

Why Visit

Everybody talks about Djúpalónssandur beach, but no guidebook mentions Skarðsvík beach! Skarðsvík is actually much more remote and, in our opinion, even more beautiful than Djúpalónssandur!

Seeing Skarðsvík beach is surely one of the best things to do in Snæfellsnes!

Tips from a Local

• You can visit both Skarðsvík beach and Svörtuloft lighthouse in one go. They are located close to each other, so definitely go and see both!
• Don’t go too close to the waves. It might be dangerous.

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Our Experience

Skarðsvík is a cute, off-the-beaten-path beach where you can peacefully stroll for as long as you wish. Just dress well. Shore areas might be very windy on Snæfellsnes.

H4. Helgafell Hike

Why Visit

Helgafell hike is a hidden gem on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. We have never heard any tourist mention this hike, yet it’s one of the most picturesque hikes in Snæfellsnes!

Helgafell is a little hill south of Stykkishólmur, next to the Helgafellsvatn lake. It’s well accessible all year round, even when it snows.

Tips from a Local

• There are many Helgafells in Iceland. Be sure to type the right one into your navigation 🙂
• The hike is short and easy. In winter, it might be slippery due to snow and ice. Shoe spikes might help.

Our Experience

We’ve discovered Helgafell just by coincidence. We had an accommodation located just next to the lake and the accommodation owner recommended us this hike.

We went in early March with full snow coverage everywhere around. We were lucky to have a clear sky and a sunny day, so we could fully enjoy some amazing 360° views from the peak of Helgafell!

The hike took us less than 10 minutes one way and is totally worth a short in our opinion!

H5. Klukkufoss Waterfall

Why Visit

Klukkufoss is a very little visited waterfall away from any crowds located next to the F-road F575. At the same time, Klukkufoss is one of the cutest and prettiest waterfalls in Snæfellsnes!

Tips from a Local

• It takes just a short hike to reach the waterfall. At the bottom of the hike, there is a picnic area with a table and benches and two parking spaces.
• Other interesting things to see nearby are Eyvindarhola Lava Cave (not our cup of tea), Rauðhóll hill, or another hidden waterfall called Snekkjufoss.

Our Experience

What we love about Klukkufoss are the picturesque basalt columns, the remoteness of the waterfall, the stunningly tranquil surroundings, and the easy access.

H6. F575 F-Road

Why Visit

F575 is one of the easiest F-roads in Iceland, yet it is beautiful and very little driven! The road leads just below the tallest peak of Snæfellsnes – Snæfellsjökull.

Eysteinsdalsleið, or F575, is a steep gravel mountain road connecting the western shore of Snæfellsnes with another mountain road below Snæfellsjökull – (F)570.

Tips from a Local

• F575 is one of the very few F-roads in Iceland with no river crossings. Once the snow melts, you could drive the road in any 4WD car.
• Eysteinsdalsleið is passable only in summer and may open a bit later than other F-roads. Always check www.trafficinfo.is before driving!

Do you love waterfalls? We wrote the List of (almost) ALL Icelandic Waterfalls.

Our Experience

We drove the road for the first time in mid-July, soon after it opened to summer traffic. There were still remains of snow around the road (but not on it) after a strong winter.

While steep, F575 was easy to drive, and we can recommend it as a nice introduction to Icelandic F-roads. You can drive it in connection with 570 to enjoy these two most beautiful mountain roads in Snæfellsnes.

H7. Rauðhólar Hill

Why Visit

Rauðhólar is a colorful, hilly area in eastern Snæfellsnes that almost nobody knows about! Not even locals. Rauðhólar is a wonderful place for photographers, especially on a nice day.

Tips from a Local

• There is also “Rauðhólar” next to Reykjavik, which is a totally different place. Don’t get it confused.
• Don’t miss the wild Sturlungalaug hot spring just around the corner, too!

Our Experience

Rauðhólar is a beautiful spot that was recommended to us by our kind friend Jón Bjarni Jónsson, for which we are very thankful!

You can get to Rauðhólar hill by turning to Road 55 from Road 54 in the south, near Kolbeinsstaðakirkja church, and then taking the first turn left to the gravel road. The road may not be passable when there’s too much snow, so take care!

When to Visit Snæfellsnes

You can visit Snæfellsnes all year round! Most of the roads are well paved and most of the attractions are accessible also in winter. Just dress well, rent a proper car for Iceland, and avoid weather alerts.

We actually recommend you go see Snæfellsnes at least once in the summer and once in the winter. It’s an entirely different sight.

How to Get to Snæfellsnes

Getting to Snæfellsnes is easy and convenient. It’s just a 2-hour drive from Reykjavik on well-maintained roads.

You can also get to Snæfellsnes by a combination of buses from Reykjavik, though we don’t recommend that. It’s a long journey, and you’ll need a car or tour anyway to fully explore the peninsula.

Best Snæfellsnes Guided Tours

If you don’t have a car, we recommend taking a guided tour. A good tour will show you all the highlights of Snæfellsnes in one day, and you’ll have beautiful memories with very little effort.

Our favorite Snæfellsnes full-day guided tours are:

• Wonderful Snæfellsnes Full Day Tour from Reykjavik by NiceTravel, 5% discount code: EPICICELAND
• Small Group, full-day Snæfellsnes Tour from Reykjavik, 5% discount code: EPICICELAND24
• Vatnshellir Cave Tour near Arnarstapi in the south Snæfellsnes

And our personal favorite guided activities in Snæfellsnes are:

• Orcas Whale-Watching tour from Hólmavík
• Snæfellsjökull glacier hike tour – hike to the tallest peak of Snæfellsnes – only for the brave!
• Amazing Kirkjufell Kayaking tour – great for everyone!
• Stykkishólmur Sea Kayak tour – our favorite tour from Stykkishólmur

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Want a private Snæfellsnes tour? We can take you there! We run niche, fully tailored private tours all around Iceland and can fulfill any wish you have!

How Long to Stay in Snæfellsnes

We recommend staying in Snæfellsnes for one or two days. In winter, it’s better to plan for at least two days due to the unpredictability of the weather.

If you are short on time, you can see the main highlights of the peninsula in one day. In two days, you can take a more leisurely pace and explore even more.

That being said, Snæfellsnes has enough to offer even for a week. If you prefer slow travel, you won’t make a mistake even with more days of up to a week!

Snæfellsnes 1-Day Itinerary

You can see the main sights of Snæfellsnes in one day. It will be a bit of a rushed day, but it’s perfectly possible. No time will be left for any hidden gems, though. Here’s our sample 1-day Snæfellsnes itinerary:

• 9:00 – 9:30 Selvallavatn and Selvallafoss
• 10:00 – 10:30 Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss
• 11:30 – 12:00 Lóndrangar Cliffs
• 12:15 – 13:45 Arnarstapi village with lunch
• 14:00 – 15:30 Stóri Kambur beach horse riding (Optional)
• If you don’t feel like riding the horses, you can just take a walk to the beach from the same place. It will take you more or less the same time. If it’s too long for you, there’s a farm road that can take you closer to Hraunlandarif beach.
• 16:00 – 16:15 Búðakirkja church
• 16:45 – 17:30 Ytri Tunga seal watching
• 17:45 – 19:30 Lýsulaugar hot springs (with facilities) or wild Landbrotalaug hot spring (without facilities)

The last time we visited Snæfellsnes was in early March. You can read more about our 2-day winter Snæfellsnes trip here.

Snæfellsnes 2-Day Itinerary

In two days, you can take a more leisurely pace and see most of the beautiful places in Snæfellsnes. I’ll assume a summer visit (May to October) because we have a separate article for a 2-day winter Snæfellsnes itinerary.  Without further ado, here’s our sample summer 2-day Snæfellsnes itinerary:

Day 1

• 9:00 – 10:30 Sturlungalaug hot spring
• 11:15 – 11:45 Selvallavatn and Selvallafoss
• 12:00 – 12:30 Helgafell hike
• 12:45 – 13:00 Berserkjahraun road
• 13:15 – 13:30 Kolgrafarfjörður view point
• 13:45 – 15:00 Grundarfjörður lunch
• 15:15 – 15:45 Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss
• 16:00 – 18:00 Kirkjufell kayaking tour
• 18:15 – 19:00 Grundarfoss hike
• Night in Grundarfjörður or Ólafsvík

Day 2

• 9:00 – 9:45 Skarðsvík Beach and Svörtuloft Lighthouse
• 10:00 – 10:30 Saxhóll crater
• 10:30 – 11:30 Drive the scenic F575 Road and (F)570 Road down to Arnarstapi, stop for views (Optional)
• If you don’t feel like driving the scenic mountain roads, you can just drive up to the Klukkufoss waterfall, take the short hike, and drive back south around Djúpalónssandur towards Lóndrangar.
• 11:45 – 12:00 Lóndrangar Cliffs
• 12:15 – 14:00 Arnarstapi village with lunch
• 14:15 – 16:00 Stóri Kambur beach horse riding (Optional, same as for our 1-day itinerary above)
• 16:15 – 16:30 Búðakirkja church
• 17:00 – 17:45 Ytri Tunga seal watching
• 18:00 – 19:30 Lýsulaugar hot springs (with facilities) or wild Landbrotalaug hot spring (without facilities)

We hand-picked a list of the 21 best day trips from Reykjavik to help you plan your trip. Many visitors choose Reykjavik as their base for exploring Iceland. It’s not necessarily a bad choice because Reykjavik is close to many charming spots one can make a day trip to.

Having visited Iceland numerous times over several years, we list here exclusively the places that can realistically be planned for as a day trip, and we also believe are worth your precious time in Iceland!

We include all kinds of activities to offer a diverse range of adventures for all types of explorers. Our Reykjavik day trip guide should give you a good overview of what’s out there and what to choose to have an unforgettable Icelandic holiday!

1. Thórsmörk

What is it: a scenic valley
Where is it: near Hvolsvöllur
Distance from Reykjavik: 3 hours, or 130km (81mi)
How to reach it: super jeep tour, self-drive with a jeep or highland bus
When to go: self-drive in summer only, super jeep tours all-year-round
Best for: hikers and nature lovers

Why go

Þórsmörk is a hidden gem away from all the tourist crowds and yet pretty close to the main Icelandic ring road. Thórsmörk can easily be done as a day trip from Reykjavik. It’s a go-to place for every hiking enthusiast or avid nature explorer.

Lush green valleys intersected with hundreds of riverbeds with majestic glaciers sitting above this awe-inspiring scenery. That, and much more, is Þórsmörk.

How to get there

To reach the Valley of Thor, you have to overcome a rough highland road F249. This so-called F-road requires a huge jeep because of the several significant rivers you must cross on your way.

There are three different ways to get to Thórsmörk:

1. Take a guided Thórsmörk super jeep tour
2. Take a public Highland bus to Þórsmörk
3. Drive to Thórsmörk yourself

It takes less than 3 hours to reach Thórsmörk from Reykjavik.

Tip from a local

• It’s best to visit Þórsmörk between June and September when all the snow is melted and the valley is the most colorful.
• Plan for doing at least one hike. It’s more than just worth it!

Our experience

We drove to Thórsmörk ourselves with a modified Toyota Land Cruiser we rented in August. It was one of the highlights of our trip to Iceland. We wrote a detailed guide on visiting Þórsmörk and dealing with its challenges.

2. Kerlingarfjöll

What is it: orange mountains
Where is it: central highlands of Iceland
Distance from Reykjavik: 3.5 hours, or 190km (118mi)
How to reach it: guided tour, or self-drive with a 4x4
When to go: hiking possible in summer only
Best for: hikers and nature lovers

Why go

Kerlingarfjöll is one of the most otherwordly spots you can visit as a day trip from Reykjavik. You will be hiking orange mountains full of steaming Sulphur and bubbling hot springs. We guarantee you’re going to feel like you’re on another planet!

Kerlingarfjöll is a must-see if you are into remote places in harsh surroundings and enjoy silence rather than company. Be sure to take any hike here, and your jaw will drop.

How to get there

To reach Kerlingarfjöll, you can either:

1. Drive there via rough but rather easy roads 35 and F347
2. Take a guided Kerlingarfjöll tour

Tip from a local

• Kerlingarfjöll typically enjoys volatile weather. A visit in heavy rain and wind may be quite unpleasant. We suggest carefully planning the trip according to the local weather forecast.
• Dress well! It will be cold, even in summer. When camping, remember that summer night temperatures may fall as low as 0°C, or 32°F.

Our experience

We have visited Kerlingarfjöll several times and have always struggled with harsh weather. We wrote a detailed article on How to visit Kerlingarfjöll and what to see.

On one trip, we even took a hike to the tallest peak of Kerlingarfjöll called Snaekollur, and we can’t recommend it enough!

It takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to get to Kerlingarfjöll from Reykjavik.

3. Snæfellsnes

What is it: a scenic peninsula
Where is it: west Iceland
Distance from Reykjavik: 2 hours, or 140km (87mi)
How to reach it: self-drive or a guided tour
When to go: any time
Best for: easy day trip for anyone

Why go

Snæfellsnes peninsula is a great day trip spot full of natural wonders and mesmerizing coastal sceneries not too far from Reykjavik. It’s very well accessible with basically any car and almost any time of the year.

Some of the most photographed spots in Iceland, like Kirkjufell or Budakirkja, are in the heart of Snæfellsnes. Unique cliff formations, black beaches, narrow ravines for adventurers and even seals! You can find all of these in Snæfellsnes.

How to get there

It will take you slightly over 2 hours of driving to get to Snæfellsnes from Reykjavik. Driving is the easiest and most convenient way to access Snæfellsnes.

Tip from a local

• By far the most sought-after spot is Mt. Kirkjufell. We recommend visiting Kirkjufell before 10 AM or after 7 PM to avoid big tour groups.
• There’s a cute little hill with lovely views called Helgafell, where almost nobody goes. Check it out!

Our experience

We visited Snæfellsnes three times. We enjoyed each trip a lot and highly recommend seeing the peninsula both in summer and winter. It looks entirely different when covered by snow in February, opposite to lush green surroundings in July or August.

4. Katla Ice Cave

What is it: an ice cave
Where is it: south Iceland, close to Vik
Distance from Reykjavik: 3 hours, or 200km (125mi)
How to reach it: a guided tour only
When to go: all-year-round
Best for: any ice cave enthusiast

Why go

Katla is the most beautiful ice cave doable as a day trip from Reykjavik. And we don’t know anybody who was not impressed by Katla! It’s a one-of-a-kind ice cave consisting of glacial ice and black volcanic ash. Out of this world, colors will follow you with each step.

How to get there

To visit Katla, you have to take a Katla guided tour. Visiting the cave by yourself is very dangerous and highly discouraged.

The best tour operator in Iceland running Katla Ice Cave tours is:

• Arctic Adventures (5% discount code: in our newsletter), pickup in Vik or Reykjavik

A ride to Katla from Reykjavik takes something over 3 hours.

Tip from a local

• Katla is the only natural ice cave in Iceland open all year round for visitors.

Our experience

If you could choose a season, we recommend going to Katla in winter. Katla typically possesses the most shiny colors between November and April in winter. You can also visit Katla outside of winter, and it’s still awesome, just a bit smaller and less shiny.

5. Snowmobiling

What is it: a guided tour
Where is it: central Iceland, next to Gullfoss Falls (pickup point)
Distance from Reykjavik: 2 hours, or 120km (75mi)
How to reach it: a super jeep tour from Reykjavik, or self-drive to Gullfoss
When to go: all-year-round
Best for: thrill seekers

Why go

What about snowmobiling on a glacier besides volcanoes during the sunset? Too much of a cliché? Well, it’s entirely possible in Iceland!

Various tour providers offer the snowmobiling experience in Iceland. The two best ones are also located the closest to Reykjavik:

• Mountaineers of Iceland, 5% discount code: in our newsletter, pickup at Gullfoss
• Icelandic Mountain Guides, 5% discount code: in our newsletter, pickup at Ytri Solheimar

How to get there

To take a snowmobile tour, you can take either:

1. Tour from Reykjavik: Take a combo super jeep tour of snowmobiles with Golden Circle or
2. Self-Drive to meeting point: Either to Gullfoss (Mountaineers) or Myrdalsjökull (Icelandic Mountain Guides) and take just the snowmobile tour directly there

Reaching Gullfoss or Myrdalsjökull from Reykjavik will take you around 2 hours.

Tip from a local

• The cheapest way to enjoy the snowmobile is to ride on a shared snowmobile with your companion. Separate snowmobiles are priced higher.

Our experience

We are young, and we love adventure and speed. This means we would always choose the fastest snowmobiling tour available. Currently, Mountaineers run the fastest one from Gullfoss on a Langjökull glacier. The fast-paced tour is a bit pricier but comes with fewer fellow riders.

6. Southern Highlands Safari

What is it: isolated canyons, hills, and deserted roads
Where is it: an area between Vik, Hvolsvöllur (pickup point) and Landmannalaugar
Distance from Reykjavik: 1.5 hours, or 110km (70mi)
How to reach it: a super jeep tour from Hvolsvöllur, or self-drive with a jeep
When to go: from July to September
Best for: those who love remote sceneries

Why go

Southern Highlands of Iceland are our personal favorite when it comes to day trips from Reykjavik. It will be a long day, but the one you will never forget!

There’s just so much to see in the highlands, and basically, any place there looks like on another planet. You will be fording rivers with a jeep, exploring green volcanos, and admiring the harsh power of the Icelandic wilderness.

How to get there

Reaching the southern highlands of Iceland requires a large 4×4 car and sound driving experience, including crossing treacherous rivers. You have two options when it comes to visiting the highlands:

1. Study, practice, plan, and drive there on your own or
2. Take a guided super jeep tour (10% discount code: EPICICELAND10)

Tip from a local

• One day is not enough to explore every single place in the southern highlands. It could take you weeks to do so. Nevertheless, even one day in the highlands is much better than no day!

Our experience

We’ve driven across the southern highlands countless times and never stopped admiring them. This is simply our most beloved corner of Iceland. We write extensively about every place we’ve ever visited in the highlands for free on our website.

Don’t underestimate the highlands! Always check the road conditions before going, and when feeling unsure, better don’t go!

7. Solheimajökull glacier

What is it: a glacier to hike and a glacier lagoon to sail on
Where is it: between Vik and Hvolsvöllur in the south
Distance from Reykjavik: 2.5 hours, or 160km (100mi)
How to reach it: a self-drive to a meeting point at the glacier or a combo tour from Reykjavik
When to go: any time
Best for: glacier and winter lovers

Why go

Do you want to hike on a glacier near Reykjavik? Then, your best choice for a day trip would be a Solheimajökull glacier hike. Is that not enough? Well, then you can also take a kayaking tour of the glacial lagoon right next to the glacier!

Solheimajökull is the closest glacier to Reykjavik, providing excellent hiking and canoeing opportunities. Blue ice, white ice, ice covered with ash, or icebergs in a lagoon are just an introduction to this ice paradise.

How to get there

You can reach Solheimajökull in about two and a half hours from Reykjavik. The ride there is easy and just follows the ring road.

To hike the glacier, you have to take a guided tour. It’s too dangerous to go on your own.

Tip from a local

• There are several different glacier tours at Solheimajökull that vary in length and difficulty. Choose the one that suits you the best.

Our experience

We had the best experience at Solheimajökull with the two most experienced local glacier hiking companies:

1. Icelandic Mountain Guides, 5% discount code: in our newsletter
2. Arctic Adventures, 5% discount code: in our newsletter

8. Hvammsvik

What is it: a man-made hot spring with a scenic view
Where is it: north of Reykjavik
Distance from Reykjavik: 1 hour, or 55km (35mi)
How to reach it: an easy self-drive or guided tours
When to go: any time
Best for: relax in the natural scenery

Why go

Hvammsvik hot spring offers a unique combination of a luxurious spa with Icelandic wilderness. The hot spa overlooks the fantastic scenery of Hvalfjordur Bay, with picturesque mountains in the background.

A combination of hot water and beautiful views of the fjord makes Hvammsvik a perfect spot for a relaxing day.

How to get there

Hvammsvik is a top candidate for one of the best day trips from Reykjavik. It’s conveniently located just about an hour of drive from the Reykjavik city centre.

Our readers can use a 5% discount code: EPICICELAND5 on Classic and Comfort tickets bought online.

Alternatively, many guided tours visit Hvammsvik on a daily basis. You can either join one of these tours or simply drive to Hvammsvik yourself via easy and well-maintained roads.

We can highly recommend a Hvammsvik guided tour with Golden Circle run by NiceTravel, a top local family company. You can use a 5% discount code: EPICICELAND on their tours.

Tip from a local

• Regardless of whether you’re a couple, a single traveler, or a family with small children, we are sure you will enjoy Hvammsvik! Just check out the reviews anywhere online.

Our experience

We haven’t visited Hvammsvik yet, but we are really looking forward to it! We’ve heard so many spectacular references about this place. We plan to visit Hvammsvik during shoulder season, like April, May, or October, to avoid crowds.

9. Hrunalaug

What is it: a wild hot spring on a grass field
Where is it: near the town of Fludir
Distance from Reykjavik: 1.5 hours, or 110km (68mi)
How to reach it: self-drive only
When to go: any time
Best for: relax in the natural scenery

Why go

Hrunalaug hot spring is one of the most picturesque Icelandic hot springs. As it is located close to the Golden Circle, “Hruni” has become a viral spot and a popular day trip from Reykjavik.

Netflix could easily feature Hrunalaug in a fairy tale. Green grass, sheep eating it, and in the midst of this scenery, an old wooden shelter with a hot pot next to it.

How to get there

The only way to visit Hrunalaug is to drive there. No tours are stopping at Hrunalaug.

That being said, Hrunalaug is an easy one-and-a-half-hour-long drive from Reykjavik.

Tip from a local

• Hrunalaug sits on private land, and you must pay for pool access.
• The hot spring has become quite crowded; better visit it during unusual times.

Our experience

We visited Hrunalaug for the first time in the summer of 2020 during the worldwide Covid lockdowns. The charm of the hot spring quickly enchanted us. Only until we had a very peculiar experience with a young Icelander in the hot pot :).

We’ve also been to Hrunalaug in winter and can confirm it’s an equally good choice. Maybe even more charming when you bathe with snow and ice everywhere around you.

10. Black Sand Beach

What is it: a black gravel and sand beach
Where is it: near the town of Vik
Distance from Reykjavik: 2.5 hours, or 190km (120mi)
How to reach it: self-drive or guided south coast tours
When to go: all-year-round
Best for: anyone loving beautiful natural sceneries

Why go

The Black Sand Beach, or Reynisfjara in Icelandic, proudly belongs to the most beautiful day trips from Reykjavik. The beach has been featured in many movies and is famous due to the otherworldly sand and rock formations.

How to get there

The Black Sand Beach is nested in the vicinity of the cute little town Vik. It takes around 2.5 hours to get to Reynisfjara from Reykjavik. The road is usually accessible all year round and by any car.

Tip from a local

• The sneaky waves on the beach can be deadly. Always pay special attention to the traffic lights showing how far from the waves you should stand. More info about these dangerous waves is on the Icelandic Safe Travel website.

Our experience

When we first visited Reynisfjara, I remember we just stood still in awe. Black Sand Beach is a one-of-a-kind place, and there’s no wonder it attracts so many visitors. That’s the price you have to pay for such a beautiful place that is very easily accessible from Reykjavik.

11. Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss

What is it: waterfalls
Where is it: south Iceland between Vik and Hvolsvöllur
Distance from Reykjavik: 2 hours, or 140km (88mi)
How to reach it: self-drive or guided south coast tours
When to go: all-year-round
Best for: any waterfall enthusiast

Why go

Visiting Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls is most likely the the most popular day trip from Reykjavik. And for a very simple reason. These are the two most gorgeous yet easily accessible waterfalls in south Iceland.

Yes, Seljalandsfoss is that waterfall you can walk behind, and Skogafoss is the one you may climb above. Both are, without any doubt, just must-see spots for any first-time visitor. And when you are based in Reykjavik, it makes perfect sense to go see them on a day trip.

How to get there

Driving on the main Icelandic ring road, you can easily reach both Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls from Reykjavik in about 2 hours.

The best way to do so is by renting a car. Alternatively, you can take a guided south coast tour. Almost all of them stop at both Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss and are pretty affordable.

Tip from a local

• You can walk behind Seljalandsfoss only outside of winter. Otherwise, it’s dangerous due to paths full of snow and ice.
• Make sure to wear spikes on your shoes when taking stairs to climb above Skogafoss in winter. The trail is very slippery.

Our experience

These two waterfalls are an Icelandic classic, and we’ve seen them countless times, so we are not that much excited about them anymore. BUT. Exactly the opposite was true when we saw them for the first time – we were impressed! And so will be you, so go and see them!

12. Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon

What is it: luxurious hot spas
Where is it: Reykjanes peninsula (Blue) and Reykjavik (Sky)
Distance from Reykjavik: 45 minutes and 15 minutes, or 50km (30mi) and 10km (6mi)
How to reach it: self-drive, public bus or taxi
When to go: all-year-round
Best for: lovers of luxurious hot springs

Why go

Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are iconic hot spas every visitor to Iceland has heard about. Being located either close the Keflavik airport or directly in Reykjavik, they are frequently a beloved candidate for a Reykjavik day trip.

Blue Lagoon offers an almost unrealistically looking blue color of water, that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year. On the other hand, Sky Lagoon is sought for its even more luxurious experience with the so-called 7 Steps Ritual and views over the ocean.

How to get there

Sky Lagoon is located right in Reykjavik in the neighborhood called Kópavogur, near the shore. It takes 15 minutes to reach it by car from the city center. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or a public bus.

To reach the Blue lagoon, either rent a car and take a 20-minute drive from the airport or use a transportation service.

Tip from a local

• Did you know that neither Blue Lagoon, nor Sky Lagoon are natural? Both have been man-made, and so is the source of the hot water.
• Ticket prices vary based on the particular time slot. The less attractive times have lower price.

Our experience

Our philosophy goes against mass tourism, so we avoided both lagoons for years. Finally, we visited Blue Lagoon a year ago with modest expectations. And it was nice. Blue Lagoon definitely wasn’t and will never be a highlight of any of our trips to Iceland, but it can be a nice relaxing stop.

13. Active Volcano

What is it: Fagradalsfjall volcano
Where is it: between Keflavik and Reykjavik
Distance from Reykjavik: 1 hour, or 60km (37mi)
How to reach it: self-drive, or guided tour
When to go: all-year-round, but better in summer
Best for: volcano enthusiasts

BEWARE! Before visiting any volcanic area, carefully check www.road.is and www.safetravel.is. The area may be dangerous or closed!

Why go

Did you know Iceland boasts 32 active volcanoes? Yes, you read it right, thirty-two. But don’t confuse an erupting volcano with an active volcano. These are two different things. No volcano is erupting at the time of writing this article.

So why go and see an active volcano? The closest active volcano that can be visited as a day trip from Reykjavik is Fagradasfjall volcano and its neighboring Litli-Hrútur area. Here you can admire the freshly spewed lava from 2021, 2022, and the summer of 2023. And that is a hell of an experience!

How to get there

There are two ways of getting to Fagradasfjall volcano. You can take a guided volcano tour or drive there yourself and take a hike. A drive takes about 30 minutes from Keflavik airport.

There are several hiking trails around Fagradasfjall. Choose the one that suits you based on your hiking ability and on how much time you have.

Tip from a local

• Please closely monitor the situation of any volcano before heading there. Icelandic Safe Travel web should help a lot.

Our experience

We were lucky enough to experience an active volcano in Iceland erupting and spewing out lava in August 2021. Similar “tourist” (harmless) eruptions then followed in the summer of 2022 and 2023 near the Fagradasfjall area.

In the end of 2023, however, Iceland faced a different kind of eruption near the town of Grindavik. This eruption may have been be very harmful and dangerous, but only locally around the Grindavik town. Please closely monitor the situation and information before visiting the area.

14. Þakgil

What is it: a scenic green valley full of hiking trails
Where is it: near the town of Vik
Distance from Reykjavik: 3 hours, or 200km (125mi)
How to reach it: self-drive only
When to go: from July to September
Best for: avid hikers

Why go

Although a bit further away from Reykjavik, Thakgil can make a day trip of a lifetime! Þakgil is one of our favorite spots in the Icelandic Highlands. When you go for a hike in Thakgil on a nice summer day, you will be rewarded with unbeatable views you will never forget about.

Þakgil is a majestic valley full of ravines, ridges, and even melting glaciers, just a few hours of hiking away from the Thakgil campsite. There are three main trails, and each one is simply breathtaking.

How to get there

You can get to Þakgil only by car. To reach it, first, take the ring road towards Vik and then the rough road 214 full of potholes.

A journey to Thakgil will take you more than 3 hours from Reykjavik, but it will be worth every minute of driving! Be sure to rent a car with higher ground clearance, otherwise, you may damage the undercarriage. Road 214 is very bumpy.

Tip from a local

• Þakgil boasts one of the most picturesque campsites in Iceland. If you are into camping, you can’t miss the Thakgil campsite!

Our experience

We took the day trip to Þakgil from Vik, as it is much closer. The same can be done from Reykjavik as well, though, it just requires more time. We hiked two out of the three most beautiful hikes in Thakgil and wrote a detailed guide about hiking in Þakgil.

15. Fimmvörðuháls hike

What is it: a 10-hour long hike through incredible terrain
Where is it: between Skogar and Thórsmörk
Distance from Reykjavik: 2 hours, or 150km (93mi)
How to reach it: self-drive, Highland bus, or guided tour
When to go: from July to September
Best for: long hike lovers

Why go

This place is famous for its panoramic views of the volcanoes Eyjafjallajökull and Hekla and its beautiful waterfalls and the Thórsmörk valley. The famous trail from Skógar to Thórsmörk passes through Fimmvörðuháls, which can continue to the rainbow mountains of Landmannalaugar.

What can you expect there? You will probably see the most dramatic scenery Iceland has to offer. Get ready for a series of canyon-like waterfalls, volcanic moonscape, glaciers, and many more.

How to get there

The best way to get to Fimmvörðuháls is to rent a car from Reykjavík and drive along Route 1 towards the southeast until you reach Skógar, where the Fimmvörðuháls trailhead begins. It is possible to complete the hike in a day, but camping facilities are available for those wanting to extend their journey.

Tip from a local

• If you don’t have the energy or time to make all 22 kilometers, do not worry. From Skógafoss Waterfall in Skogar, follow the path along the Skóga River, where plenty of beautiful waterfalls await you.

Our Experience

You can read in detail about our experience in our Detailed guide to hiking Fimmvörðuháls. Long story short, we highly recommend you hike Fimmvörðuháls at least once in your life! But only in summer and only in good weather. The trek may be dangerous otherwise.

We started the trek in Skógar and finished in Thórsmörk in about 9 hours, still having plenty of time to wait for the last bus. There was one section that was quite dangerous, and hiking poles were a must. Other than that, the hike was not difficult, just long. This can change dramatically during adverse weather, though.

16. Glymur

What is it: a very tall waterfall
Where is it: west Iceland
Distance from Reykjavik: 1 hour, or 70km (45mi)
How to reach it: self-drive only
When to go: from June to September
Best for: waterfall and hiking enthusiasts

Why go

Glymur, the second-tallest waterfall in Iceland, is a hidden gem within easy reach of Reykjavik. It was the tallest in Iceland at 198 meters. In 2011, however, it was overtaken by Morsárfoss with 240 meters. Though this waterfall is very difficult to access, we can still say Glymur is the tallest accessible waterfall in Iceland.

Glymur is one of the best one-day trips that you can do from Reykjavík. The surrounding nature is beautiful, and you will enjoy the peaceful atmosphere when you come here.

How to get there

Drive north from Reykjavik towards Hvalfjörður. From the parking lot, follow the signs to the Glymur trail. You will then have a roughly 50-minute trek uphill quite steeply. The hike is moderately challenging but well-marked.

Tip from a local

• The hike to Glymur is usually only one-way, but if you don’t want to follow the same way, we have a pro tip. It includes a river crossing. Follow the trail until the peak and then get down to the river, choose the spot you like, and get ready for some adventure. The water is cold, but it allows you to make a loop, see the waterfall from all sides, and enjoy more Icelandic nature. There is a well-marked trail.

Our experience

Glymur is quite a hike, but it is worth every breath. At one point, you need to cross a river – there is a log with a rope to get over so your feet will not get wet. The more you move up, the more you can enjoy an unbelievable view of the deep and narrow gorge and surrounding mountains.

17. Reykjadalur

What is it: a hot river valley
Where is it: south Iceland near Hveragerdi
Distance from Reykjavik: 45 minutes, or 45km (28mi)
How to reach it: self-drive, or public bus
When to go: any time, except for harsh weather
Best for: hikers and hot spring enthusiasts

Why go

Do you want to enjoy a hot bath after the hike? Then Reykjadalur is a great place for your one-day trip from Reykjavík. The trail is not very challenging, so it is also suitable for beginners.

Reykjadalur is a very famous spot, so don’t be surprised if you won’t be alone there. On the positive side, thanks to that, there are wooden walkways around the river and even screens for changing clothes.

How to get there

The trail starts in Hveragerði. It takes around 45 minutes to drive there from Reykjavík. There is a paid parking lot where you can leave a car and then follow the signs for the trail to Reykjadalur.

It is so close you can even get there by bus from Reykjavík. Take the bus number 51 from Mjödd Bus Stop in Reykjavík. Get off in Hveragerði and continue to the Reykjadalur parking lot. But it takes around 45 minutes to walk from the bus to the parking lot.

Tip from a local

• If you want to avoid crowds, take advantage of long summer days and go there early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Reykjadalur in winter can be challenging, wear spikes!

Our experience

A small hill in the beginning was a bit steep, but after that, the hike was quite easy. After about an hour of hiking, we enjoyed a relaxing reward.

The higher upstream we went, the warmer the water got. Where the water is at the best temperature for a bath, wooden walkways, benches, and changing shelters have been built around the river. The water temperature here is between 35 and 45 °C (95 to 113°F).

18. Landmannalaugar

What is it: a colorful mountain valley
Where is it: central Iceland, in the Highlands
Distance from Reykjavik: 3 hours, or 180km (110mi)
How to reach it: self-drive with a 4x4, highland bus, or guided super jeep tour
When to go: from June to September
Best for: wild nature lovers and hikers

Why go

Landmannalaugar is an iconic, must-visit place located in the southern highlands of Iceland. This geothermal valley offers stunning views of multi-colored mountains and thermal springs. It is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.

Enjoy views of lush green valleys, walk through black-grey lava fields, observe steaming spots in the valleys and mountains, and relax in hot springs.

How to get there

There are multiple options for taking a day trip to Landmannalaugar from Reykjavik:

1. Drive yourself. A 4×4 car is required, and various roads of variable difficulties lead there. Please read our detailed Landmannalaugar guide.
2. Take a Landmannalaugar super jeep tour
3. Take a Highland bus

A journey to Landmannalaugar from Reykjavik takes about 3 hours.

Tip from a local

• If you want to enjoy more of Landmannalaugar, there is a campsite where you can stay overnight.
• Landmannalaugur is accessible only from around mid-June to mid-September. Outside of this time, the road is closed due to weather conditions.

Our experience

We keep coming back to Landmannalaugar over and over. It’s a magical place with endless hiking opportunities. We’ve recently discovered a magnificent Graenihryggur hike and can’t recommend it enough!

We advise you to choose some of the many Landmannalaugar hiking trails based on your time and hiking skills. Try to follow the tracks deeper into nature or climb up to catch the best views.

19. Westman Islands

What is it: a volcanic island
Where is it: south of Iceland
Distance from Reykjavik: 2 hours
How to reach it: ferry from Landeyjahofn
When to go: any time, but ideally in summer
Best for: nature lovers

Why go

In our opinion, the Westman Islands are most likely the best day trip from Reykjavik, where you can enjoy so many attractions in a small area in just one day.

Westman Islands, precisely the main island – Heimaey, have everything – mountains, puffin colonies, volcanoes, and interesting history. It is easily reachable, and even though it is better to plan it at least for two days, you can explore it in one day, too.

How to get there

To get to the main island of Heimaey, you need to take a ferry departing from Landeyjahöfn, which is 2 hours away from Reykjavík, following Ring Road to the south.

Tip from a local

• You can explore the island on foot, but if you want to save time, take a car with you.
• Heimaey has one of the largest puffin colonies. Visit the island while puffin season is on.

Our experience

We visited Westman Islands on a sunny summer day, and that’s exactly what we recommend to you as well. Wait for a nice day! It’s more than just worth it. Westman islands are one of the windiest places in Europe, so dress well, you’re going to feel the wind!

We wrote a detailed article with all the attractions, hiking trails, and things to do on Westman islands in one day.

20. Golden Circle

What is it: a loop trip around the famous national park
Where is it: northeast of Reykjavik
Distance from Reykjavik: 45 minutes, or 45km (28mi)
How to reach it: self-drive or a guided tour
When to go: any time
Best for: first-timers

Why go

The Golden Circle is one of Reykjavik’s most famous day trips, featuring three iconic destinations: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss Waterfall. This route provides a perfect introduction to Iceland’s natural wonders.

Golden Circle might be crowded and very touristic, but we must put it on this list as it is a kind of a trailer of what Iceland can offer. 

How to get there

The Golden Circle is easily accessible by car from Reykjavík. The entire loop is about 230 kilometers, and you can complete it in a day. There are many different locations where you can stop and enjoy some nice walks around the area.

All the spots are very accessible by car. There are also many Golden Circle guided day tours to choose from.

Tip from a local

• Golden Circle is the most visited area in Iceland, so prepare for crowds. If you want to avoid people, start early.
• Take the Glacier Monster Truck tour just next to the Golden Circle (15% discount code: EPICICELAND and 10% off code: EPICICELAND10 on their Golden Circle tour).

Our experience

We are not huge fans of the Golden Circle because this is one of the most crowded day trips in Iceland. That being said, it’s definitely a beautiful start for any Iceland first-timer.

We suggest you also add some other places in the area to your itinerary to make it a bit different. You can, for example, dive into the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir or the cute Hrunalaug Hot Spring. After that, you can continue to Kerid Crater, the picturesque lake in a volcanic crater formed around 4000 BC.

21. Háifoss

What is it: a remote waterfall
Where is it: east of Reykjavik
Distance from Reykjavik: 2 hours, or 140km (87mi)
How to reach it: self-drive only
When to go: summer only
Best for: wild waterfall enthusiasts

Why go

Háifoss is one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls, falling from 122 meters into the Fossá River Canyon. The waterfall is located in a desert landscape a little bit away from the main tourist streams. You will have a quiet place to visit and enjoy the solitude of the landscape to the full.

How to get there

Haifoss is easily accessible with a 4×4 car. It takes roughly 2 hours to reach it from Reykjavik.

Alternatively, some guided tours going to Landmannalaugar also include Haifoss in their itineraries. However, there’s no bus option to Haifoss.

Tip from a local

• A visit to the waterfall can be combined with a trip to the Rainbow Mountains of Landmannalaugar, as it is close to the road leading to them.
• Route 332 to Haifoss is entirely impassable in winter.
• Consider combining this trip with another nearby waterfall – Hjálparfoss.

Our experience

When we visited Haifoss, we realized that the main waterfall viewpoint was not very far away from the parking lot. This means many other visitors may be standing at this place, racing for better pictures.

However, there are other trails you can take if you want to explore the area more. You can even walk down to the valley and walk through the canyon to the end. Then, you will enjoy the majestic waterfall from below and typically have it all for yourself!

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Hidden Gems in Iceland are increasingly challenging to find. Many travelogues claim to list them, but in reality, they are not hidden anymore and are often crowded.

To reach the authentic off-the-beaten-path places in Iceland, you need to do something different than everyone else. You have to step out of your comfort zone.

We have been exploring hundreds of Icelandic spots away from the crowds for years. They are never easy or quick to get to. There is always a trade-off between „easy“ and „hidden“.

Below we list the 25 places we still believe to be Icelandic hidden gems. You need to, however, plan your road trip carefully in advance when, for example, exploring the Highlands. And you may fail on your first attempt. But that’s the beauty of exploration!

Map of Hidden Gems in Iceland

1. Graenihryggur ridge

Why go

Everybody visits the famous Landmannalaugar mountains and goes on the same two hikes – Bláhnúkur and Brennisteinsalda. But did you know there’s an even more beautiful hike in Landmannalaugar almost nobody knows about? That is the Grænihryggur hike.

We wrote a detailed guide on How to hike Graenihryggur.

Graenihryggur is the green ridge hidden deeper in the rainbow mountains. On your way there, you will meet some of the most stunning Icelandic landscapes of all different colors. Graenihryggur is one of our favorite Icelandic treks only locals take.

How to get there

You have to first get to Landmannalaugar. You can then find the Grænihryggur trailhead on the highland road F208, about 10km (6 mi) south of the final highway F224 to Landmannalaugar.

A 4wd car is necessary to drive on these roads. We better recommend at least a medium-sized 4×4 car.

An often overlooked sign beside the road indicates the hiking trail. You have to park your car next to the road.

Our tips

Graenihryggur hike is very scenic but also a bit more difficult. It involves crossing snowfields, climbing steep, slippery hills, and even crossing a shallow river. Go only in summer and prepare well in advance.

2. Sturlungalaug hot spring

Why go

Sturlungalaug hot spring is one of our favorite hot springs in Iceland because it’s wild, in the middle of nowhere, and you will most likely be there alone.

We wrote up a List of All Hot Springs in Iceland.

If you catch a nice day, you will get a bonus of gorgeous views around the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Sturlungalaug is large enough to accommodate even groups of friends, so no worries, it’s not just for couples.

How to get there

To reach Sturlungalaug, you need to take a gravel dirt track as a detour from Heydalsvegur, or Road 55, in Snæfellsnes.

You can get to Sturlungalaug only in summer when the road leading there is snow-free. You need a 4wd car or at least any car with higher ground clearance to pass the bumpy path safely.

There’s a little car park for about 2-3 cars; from there, it’s just a minute toward the hot pot.

Our tips

The grass around the hot spring may be wet. You can bring some slippers to handle this.

The temperature of the water in Sturlungalaug varies around the year. There’s no guarantee it will be hot during your visit. The pool even received some bad reviews from visitors due to this, but we think it’s impressive anyway!

3. Huldujökull glacier

Why go

One place that really positively surprised us as a true hidden gem in Iceland was Huldujökull glacier. Very few folks know about this spectacular hike with a live view over a melting and falling glacier!

The Huldujökull glacier hike is especially astonishing on a sunny day. You may witness massive glacier chunks as they tear from the glacier base and fall down into a deep ravine below. We’ve never seen anything like that in our lives!

We wrote a detailed article about our hike to Huldujokull in Þakgil.

How to get there

Huldujökull is located in Thakgil, and it’s the longest day trek you can take in this hiking area.

In short, you first need to reach the Þakgil campsite via road 214. The road is open for visitors only in summer, typically from mid-June until the end of September. We recommend driving a higher ground clearance car because the road is very bumpy.

Once in Thakgil, you must take the yellow or red hiking trail. When you reach the northernmost end of these trails, you need to continue to the north via a partially marked white trail. After hiking further along the eastern ridge of the Þakgil Canyon, Huldujökull will appear in front of you on a clear day.

Our tips

Don’t go on a foggy day, you will see nothing. We also highly recommend avoiding heavy rain and winds, as they can be dangerous.

Our favorite day hike was a Yellow Trail – Huldujökull – Red Trail loop. It’s a long and challenging hike but very much worth your energy.

4. Strútsfoss waterfall

Why go

Have you ever heard about Hengifoss, the red strata waterfall in East Iceland? The car park is typically completely packed, and the path to Hengifoss suffers from human traffic jams.

What about an even larger red strata waterfall with a two-level cascade where you will be alone? Well, that exactly is Strútsfoss.

List of 130 most beautiful Icelandic Waterfalls with detailed info.

Strútsfoss is breathtakingly picturesque, and you can reach it via an easy hiking trail, suitable also for a nice family hike.

How to get there

Why is Strútsfoss still a hidden gem, then? Because it’s not so easy to find the trailhead.

The main orientation point you have to get to is the Sturluflöt farm. Strustfoss car park lies right next to the farm. You must take Road 935 on the southeastern bank of the river and drive all the way to the farm.

The major part of this road is not depicted in international maps like Google Maps. But the road is there and is an easy gravel road accessible in summer. Not sure about the winter, though.

Any car should be able to make it to the car park. It then takes about 1 hour of easy hiking from the car park to reach Strútsfoss.

Our tips

It’s impossible to get very close to the waterfall. It would involve hiking on unmarked trails and treacherous river crossings. We don’t recommend doing that without a local guide.

However, the main viewpoint at the end of the marked hiking trail is more than stunning anyway.

5. Brúnavík beach

Why go

In our humble opinion, Brúnavík beach is the most beautiful hike in Borgarfjordur Eystri and one of the most stunning beaches in Iceland. It can be proudly considered one of the hidden gems in Iceland.

When hiking to the Brúnavík beach from Bakkagerdi, we felt like on another planet. The beach is particularly jaw-dropping on a sunny day.

The best viewpoints of the Brúnavík hike are in the second half of the trek when you descend to the beach and then on the beach itself.

How to get there

The trailhead can easily be overlooked as it is located just on the side of Road 94 near the Kolbeinsfjara cliffs in Bakkagerdi.

Our Brúnavík beach hiking experience in September.

There’s a little car park that can serve only a few cars. It will then take you about 2.5 hours and 8 kilometers (5 miles) of moderate hiking to reach Brúnavík.

There are several hiking trail options. We wrote a detailed article about our hikes in Borgarfjordur Eystri and also alternative hiking options around Brunavik.

Our tips

An out-and-back hike to Brúnavík beach is the most efficient option with the best views.

Don’t get discouraged by the first half of the hike. It’s a tad uneventful without extraordinary views. Nevertheless, the main reward will come during the second half of the trip.

6. Snaekollur hike

Why go

Snækollur is the tallest peak of the otherworldly orange mountains of Kerlingarfjöll. If you climb Snaekollur on a clear day, you will be guaranteed the best views over the entire Kerlingarfjöll.

Almost every Kerlingarfjöll visitor hikes just the main geothermal Hveradalir hot spring area. While beautiful, it’s not the best viewpoint of Kerlingarfjöll. The peak of Snaekollur is.

How to hike Snaekollur in Kerlingarfjoll – our detailed experience.

Hike to Snækollur is more challenging compared to Hveradalir, but totally worth every step.

How to get there

First, you need to arrive at the main Kerlingarfjöll area by highland roads (F)35 and F347. For that, you need a 4wd car. Even a small one should be sufficient.

 

Right before Hveradalir, you must take the detour left to Fannborg car park. This is where the trailhead to Snækollur begins.

Our tips

The Snaekollur hike is not the easiest one, but also not one of the worst. Bring hiking poles, watch the weather forecast in advance, try to avoid heavy rain, fog, and winds.

Orientation may be a bit difficult because the marks are infrequent and, at some points, disappear altogether.

7. The Waterfall Circle

Why go

The Waterfall Circle is a magical place in the eastern highlands of Iceland you’ve most likely never heard about. It’s one of Iceland’s most incredible waterfall hikes, together with the famous Waterfall Way in Skógar.

There are almost ten waterfalls of various sizes and shapes along the Waterfall Circle. The two most astonishing ones are called Faxi and Kirkjufoss.

If you are at least remotely a waterfall enthusiast, this hike is an absolute must-do for you!

How to get there

The Waterfall Circle trailhead begins at Laugarfell Guesthouse. You may leave your car there.

How to visit Highlands of Iceland – guide to an epic road trip.

You can get to Laugarfell by any car from around June until September. The same applies to the hike, which is snow-free precisely during this period.

Our tips

The waterfall trek is moderately difficult, about 8km (5 mi) long, and takes about 3 hours to complete.

When you have enough time, be sure to also soak up in a nearby Laugarfell hot spring (paid).

If you, instead, prefer a wilder experience, you may take a longer drive to the other side of the Kárahnjúkar dam. There you may hike around the magnificent Hafrahvammagljufur canyon or take a dip in a wild Laugavallalaug hot spring.

8. Hungurfit track

Why go

Hungurfit Road is one of the toughest tracks to drive in southern Icelandic highlands. And also one of the most fairy-tale-like.

Hungurfit is the name of the mountain hut in the middle of this dirt track. The track connects F-roads F210 and F261 across the highlands, and it’s one of the top off-the-beaten-path roads in Iceland.

What are the dirt tracks in Iceland? Can you drive them too?

The entire area is an excellent spot for 4×4 enthusiasts as well as nature lovers. The highlights of Hungurfit drive include Lush green valleys, hills with views over highlands, and countless small streams and medium river crossings.

How to get there

Hungurfit is strictly only for advanced 4×4 drivers equipped with proper cars. A large 4wd vehicle is an absolute minimum, and we highly recommend renting a super jeep to pass the track safely.

Hungurfit track is very rough, with uneven terrain, steep ridge drives, and several river fords. You can get to Hungurfit from the north from road F210 or from the south from F261.

If you don’t feel like driving in here, we can take you on our Epic Private Jeep tour! Just email us at [email protected] with your wishes 🙂

Our tips

The most scenic spot is a narrow pass between two colossal stone boulders. You have to pass it with an inch of precision, otherwise, you could damage your car.

This is where locals go play with their modified jeeps and where many private super jeep tours would take you on their highland tours.

9. Mt Laki

Why go

Mt Laki is the highlight of a visit to Laki Craters – an area full of hundreds of 200 years old volcanos. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to enjoy the surreal atmosphere of this place.

After just a short climb, Mt Laki offers an unbelievable one-of-its-kind view over the Laki volcanos. This is also one of our favorite spots in the highlands of Iceland.

If you plan a trip to Laki, be sure to check out our detailed guide to Laki craters.

How to get there

The main roads leading to Laki are F-roads F206 and F207. Both require you to drive at least a medium-sized 4wd car to pass without problems.

Roads to Laki craters are open only in summer, typically from early July until late September.

A drive to Laki is long, bumpy, and involves two medium-sized river crossings. One on F206 next to Fagrifoss waterfall and one on F207 near Tjarnargigur lake. We recommend reserving an entire day to visit Laki area at a relaxed pace.

Our tips

When going to Laki craters, don’t forget to visit also the fabulous Fagrifoss waterfall next to F-road F206 and tranquil Tjarnargigur lake along the road F207.

10. Núpsárfoss waterfall

Why go

Núpsárfoss and Hvitarfoss are two hard to reach hidden gems among Icelandic waterfalls. They are unique waterfalls of two different watercolors right next to each other.

This scenic place has been formed thanks to a one of its kind natural phenomenon. Two different rivers, a clear river Hvítá and a glacial river Núpsá, flow into the same spot. This way, they create this unbelievable play of colors.

If you are adventurous and love exploring entirely remote spots, then a hike to Núpsárfoss will be one of your favorites. Zero tourists expected.

How to get there

Getting to Núpsárfoss is very difficult. Although located not too far from the ring road, next to Skaftafell park, there’s no road or marked trail leading to Núpsárfoss or Hvitarfoss.

Love remote places? Check our list of 25 best places in the Highlands of Iceland.

There is a dirt track for super jeeps that can get you closer to the waterfalls, however, it changes every year with the movement of nearby rivers. Sometimes it’s even entirely flooded.

An alternative option is to walk from the ring road to the waterfall. Just bear in mind it’s about 10km (6 mi) one way.

Once you reach the Núpsstaðaskógur area, you must then climb a several meters high rock with the help of the rope to reach the most beautiful viewpoints of the valley.

Our tips

We highly recommend contacting a local or a ranger in Skaftafell before the hike and asking about the best available trail at the time of your visit.

11. Raudaskal crater

Why go

Rauðaskál crater is one of Iceland’s most impressive volcanic craters, yet overlooked by most visitors. Its unique red color makes it an attractive spot to visit in the southern Icelandic Highlands, close to the Hekla volcano.

Raudaskal experience also feels like one of the darkest and most remote corners of Iceland. You will be surrounded by the harsh volcanic area of Hekla with a very mysterious atmosphere.

How to visit Raudaskál crater in Iceland.

How to get there

You may drive to the upper edge of Raudaskal by a challenging dirt track suitable for big jeeps only and not covered by any insurance.

Alternatively, you can drive to the bottom edge of the crater and take a steep hike to the upper edge. The road leading to the bottom is still a problematic dirt track but more accessible than the one going up.

A large 4×4 car like Land Cruiser is an absolute minimum for this track. We would not drive to Rauðaskál in anything other than a super jeep. There may be snowfields, huge potholes, and steep slopes on the road.

The tracks are snow-free between July and September. We can also take you on our Epic Private Highlands Jeep tour here!

Our tips

Rauðaskál is not a trip for beginners in the Highlands. Practice 4×4 driving elsewhere first, and once you feel comfortable enough, then come and see the Raudaskal crater.

12. Hvannagil Valley

Why go

If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path hike close to the ring road with panoramic views, look no further. The Hvannagil Golden Valley meets these criteria precisely.

Hvannagil is an area full of secluded canyons, dry river beds, and interestingly colored hills usually only Icelanders tend to visit.

Our detailed article about hiking the Hvannagil Valley.

How to get there

A gravel track called Grænahlíð on the eastern bank of the river Skyndidalsá will take you from Stafafell right into the heart of Hvannagil. Many Icelanders have their holiday houses here, so please don’t park or stroll through the private property.

You can get to the bottom of the Hvannagil Valley by any car, although a higher ground clearance car will be more comfortable due to the large gravel on the road.

Our tips

We took the Hvannagil loop hiking trail and were happy about the choice. The loop is one of the most beautiful hikes in the area, and it took us just 2 hours to complete.

If you want to drive past the Hvannagil loop trailhead, come with at least a medium-sized 4wd car. The track gets tougher, steeper, and narrower the further you drive.

13. Strútslaug hot spring

Why go

One of the hardest-to-reach and isolated Icelandic hot springs in the wilderness? That is Strútslaug.

Quietly hiding in the middle of the southern highlands of Iceland, Strútslaug is a perfect spot for hikers seeking a refreshment during their highland treks.

Our day trip to Strútslaug hot spring in the highlands.

Strutslaug is not extraordinarily picturesque or comfortable to bathe in. However, what makes it rare is the adventure of reaching it with the reward of bathing alone in the highlands.

How to get there

The only way to reach Strútslaug is to hike. Strutslaug is located close to the famous Laugavegur trail and the Maelifell volcano.

The shortest hiking trail to Strútslaug leads from the Strútur hut and takes about 1.5 hours one way to finish.

To get to the Strútur hut, however, you need to drive various difficult F-roads and dirt tracks. First, the highland road F210 and then the Strútur dirt track. Both involve crossing medium-sized rivers and are suitable only for large 4wd cars and, ideally, super jeeps.

Our tips

The hike to Strútslaug from Strútur is easy and comfortably doable with kids. The tricky part is the drive.

Always consult your car rental company before driving any dirt tracks in Iceland. Typically all the insurance is void, and sometimes it’s even forbidden unless you rent a super jeep.

14. Dynkur canyon

Why go

Dynkur, or in Icelandic also Búðarhálsfoss, is a gigantic canyon close to a highland road F26 filled with tens of picturesque waterfalls.

It is one of the least-known, yet stunning, waterfalls in the highlands. If you have enough time and a proper car around the Sprengisandur road, we recommend you go and see Dynkur.

An ideal time for a visit is in summer, from early July until late September. Outside of this period, the dirt tracks leading to Dynkur may be muddy, and you can quickly get stuck with no help nearby.

How to get there

You will not find roads to Dynkur on Google Maps. You have to use the local map.

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Take the gravel detour north of the road 26, but south of Sultartangalón. You can then reach Dynkur from the southern bank. You will have to hike a last mile or so.

What car do you need to reach Dynkur? Well, it depends. In dry summer conditions, any 4wd vehicle should be sufficient. However, once it rains or the track gets distorted, the bigger the 4×4 car the better.

Our tips

We always better travel to the highlands in the super jeep. Yes, it is expensive. But, once you go to remote places like this, there’s always a risk something will happen to your car. And the bigger the car, the lower this risk.

15. Sveinstindur hike

Why go

Sveinstindur is the highest peak of the surreal Langisjór Lake area. Views from the summit of Sveinstindur on a nice day are simply breathtaking.

This is one of our favorite hidden gems in Iceland. We discovered it just a few years ago, and since then, we keep coming back as if we were pulled by a magnet.

The entire landscapes around Langisjór are unique, picturesque, and more than just worth a detour. For us, Sveinstindur resembles a hike somewhere on the moon.

How to get there

The easiest way to reach the Sveinstindur trailhead is by taking the F-roads F208 and F235 to Langisjór. The hike to Sveinstindur then takes about 1.5 hours to complete one way.

Our drive to Langisjór via F235 and our next drive via Langisjór dirt tracks.

The trek to Sveinstindur is short, steep, and well-marked with sticks. You will need to climb some narrow spots with rocks, so the hike is not for the faint-hearted. Hiking poles will surely help.

If you are an offroad enthusiast, you can reach Sveinstindur trailhead also by driving several adventurous dirt tracks around Langisjór like Faxasund, Botnlangalón or Skaelingar and Blautulón. A super jeep is preferable for these roads.

Our tips

We’ve made several attempts to hike Sveinstindur in rain and fog and to no avail. Don’t make the same mistake as we’ve done. It doesn’t make sense to hike Sveinstindur when it’s foggy. You will not see anything.

16. Krakatindur track

Why go

As the name of this road suggests, Krakatindur is one of the darkest roads in the Icelandic Highlands. We drove Krakatindur on a rainy August day and it was a hell of an adventure.

A pointy green volcano mountain named Krakatindur is the main highlight of the dirt track. However, there’s more to see.

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The road begins next to the beautiful Raudaskal crater and connects it to the Raudufossar waterfall hiking trail. If you plan a day in the highlands around Hekla, Krakatindur is an exciting track to take.

How to get there

You can easily get to Krakatindur road when you turn south from the F-road F225, or Landmannaleid. However, this is where the easy part ends.

Krakatindur is very rough, and it’s not even an F-road. There are huge holes and steep hillside drives at every step along the road. Only an experienced driver equipped with a super jeep should drive this road.

Our tips

We saw Dacia Duster entering one end of the Krakatindur track, but we didn’t see it exiting the other end.

So can you take a Dacia Duster on this road? For sure, you can, but you will most likely not get it out of this road anymore 🙂

17. Tungnaárfellsfoss waterfall

Why go

When looking for off-the-beaten-track waterfalls, Tungnaárfellsfoss should not miss on your list. It is one of the widest waterfalls in Iceland and it is actually not that hard to reach.

Tungnaarfelsfoss is a wild highland waterfall close to Landmannalaugar and a popular stop for many private super jeep tours.

It takes just a short while to visit it, so if you are seeking for something different, this may be a thing for you.

Need an inspiration? Read about the best places in Landmannalaugar!

How to get there

Tungnaárfellsfoss sits right next to northern Road 208, former F208 North. It takes about 15 minutes of driving to reach the waterfall from the famous Sigöldugljúfur Canyon.

You will have to leave your car beside the road and walk to the waterfall via an unmarked trail to see it from the best viewpoint. In summer, any vehicle should be sufficient to reach this spot when driven correctly.

Our tips

Combine the stop at Tungnaárfellsfoss with the visit to Landmannalauagar. There are many amazing places to see in Landmannalaugar and around as well.

18. Ker cliffs

Why go

Ker is an often-overlooked peninsula in East Iceland with some unique and gorgeous hikes to take along its coastline. One such hike is a trek to the Þerribjörg Sea Cliffs, sometimes called Ker cliffs.

We’ve discovered Ker cliffs just by chance, and they quickly became one of our favorite hikes in the Eastfjords.

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The coast of the Therribjorg, or Ker, cliffs forms one of the most breathtaking beaches and coastlines in Iceland. Moreover, it is very scarcely visited even during the high season.

How to get there

Ker cliffs are easy to reach via gravel road 917, or Hlíðarvegur in Icelandic. From the south it’s just a comfortable flat-road drive. From the north, you must take the somewhat scary mountain pass.

If you are at least slightly adventurous, we actually recommend taking the mountain pass, be it before or after the hike. It offers fantastic views over the coast on a clear day, and the drive itself is an adventure too.

You can easily pass Road 917 in any car, typically from May until October. Just watch out for the official road conditions and potential closures and openings.

Our tips

Þerribjörg Sea Cliffs is an easy family hike that will take you about 1.5 hours to complete as a roundtrip. It is a great photo spot as well as a place for a small picnic.

19. Lónsöræfi

Why go

Lonsoraefi is a mountain range somewhat similar to the rainbow mountains of Landmannnalaugar, not yet been discovered by any foreign travelers. It offers wonderful hiking opportunities for more hardcore hiking enthusiasts.

Lónsöræfi is special thanks to its unconquered trails and thrilling views in the very remote surroundings. It’s a hikers’ paradise, especially for the locals who often visit the area in the summer.

Always check road conditions, weather forecast, and safety warnings before any trip!

How to get there

The main caveat of visiting Lonsoraefi lies in its accessibility. To get to the main Lónsöræfi area, you have to complete a drive on the road F980, Kollumúlavegur. That being said, F980 is one of the most troublesome F-roads in Iceland.

The main problem with F980 is one of the most treacherous river crossings in Iceland. Roughly around the mid-point of the road, you must cross the wide and deep Skyndidalsá river.

Never do this alone, not even in a super jeep! Always call someone local for help.

Our tips

Ask for assistance with the Skyndidalsá river crossing either at Stafafell guesthouse or contact the company called South East Iceland.

20. Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon

Why go

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon and Stuðlagil Canyon are in every other Icelandic visitor’s photo album. So how to beat all these crowds heading to these two canyons? Visit Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon instead!

Markarfljotsgljufur is a massive ravine hidden in the highland next to the F-road F261. Some may argue it’s even more picturesque than the other crowded canyons. It’s undoubtedly unique and remote.

How to get to Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon in Iceland?

You can hike along the edge of Markarfljótsgljúfur both from the eastern bank and the western back. And as is the case with many of Iceland’s hidden gems, the canyon is not easy to reach.

How to get there

Regardless of which side you choose to hike to, you need to first take the highland road F261 to approach the gorge.

The western viewpoint is easier to reach but less spectacular. You must take a short but very rough dirt track detour east from F261. A large 4wd car or a super jeep is highly recommended.

The eastern viewpoint is even tougher to get to. You have to take the Emstrur dirt track toward the Emstrur hut. This is a longer and similarly challenging drive with some pretty steep ascents and descents.

We can also take you on our Epic Private Highlands Jeep tour here!

Our tips

If you want to avoid the worst part of the Emstrur track, don’t take the western branch! This is where the roughest and steepest part of the track is, where even our 31” Land Cruiser struggled to pass.

21. Morsárfoss waterfall

Why go

Do you know which waterfall in Iceland is the highest? No, it’s not Skógafoss, nor Dettifoss. The tallest Icelandic waterfall is a little-known Morsárfoss.

Morsarfoss is no ordinary waterfall. It’s a glacial waterfall falling down from a giant glacier in Skaftafell with a respectable height of 230m (750ft).

It’s too dangerous to hike close to Morsárfoss, but you can still experience it from afar. Several treks can take you to the proximity of Morsárfoss, with the best one being a climb to Kristínartindar.

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How to get there

The best and most sought-for viewpoint of Morsarfossar can be enjoyed from the summit of Kristínartindar.

You may hike Kristínartindar from Skaftafell Park, but it’s not easy and requires experienced hikers and good preparation.

It takes about 4 hours of climbing and 11km (7 mi) to reach the best viewpoints.

Our tips

Good weather is crucial for this trip. Wait for the day you are sure will be dry, windless, and fogless.

22. Blautulón Lake track

Why go

In Iceland, you may bathe in the hot waterfall or sail in the glacial lagoon. But did you know you can also drive through the lake in the highlands? You can do this perfectly legally on a Blautulon dirt track.

Blautulón Lake dirt track, which gradually turns into Skælingar dirt track, is one of our favorite highland tracks in Iceland. It’s one of the old access roads to Lake Langisjór and one of the most deserted ones.

Our Skælingar-Blautulón road trip to Langisjór article.

The highlight of this drive is the picturesque, crystal-blue lake Blautulón. Once you arrive at the lake, you will realize there’s no other way to continue than to drive inside the edge of the lake. There’s even a road sign for this!

How to get there

To access the southern end of the Skælingar-Blautulón dirt track, you have to arrive by road F208, close to the Eldgjá area. The detour towards Skaelingar is then located just a few kilometers south of the detour to Eldgjá, just a few meters south of the little ranger’s hut.

There’s one medium to big river crossing right at the beginning of the track next to F208. So if you feel unsure about the drive, you may just turn back immediately.

The track doesn’t involve any other river crossings, but you have to cross the lake. It is similar to fording a medium-sized river. A large 4wd car or a super jeep is necessary, and a car snorkel is a considerable advantage.

Our tips

If you are already experienced in driving through the highlands, we recommend you take a loop trail. Drive to Langisjór via F235 and come back via the dirt tracks of Blautulón and Skælingar. This is the most beautiful drive possible.

23. Kverkfjöll

Why go

Kverkfjöll is a glacial mountain range and an extensive hot springs area in the eastern highlands of Iceland. You can visit ice caves nobody knows about, observe hot pots and take several challenging hikes in Kverkfjöll.

If you aim for an adventurous experience without any fellow tourists, then Kverkfjöll may serve you well.

Never go without a guide or at least without consulting a Kverkfjöll ranger, though. You may have to hike through the glacier with a lot of crevasses. The local knowledge of the area is an absolute necessity.

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How to get there

You can access Kverkfjöll only in summer by the highland road F902, Kverkfjallaleið and/or F903, Hvannalindavegur.

F902 doesn’t contain any river crossings. It’s just a rough mountain road. That being said, all the connecting roads, be it F910, F905, or F88, all contain medium-sized rivers that have to be forded.

F903 is a bit tougher to drive with more challenging terrain and two unbridged medium-sized rivers.

Our tips

A hike from the Kverkfjöll cabin at the foot of the glacier to the hot spring area and back will take a full day. There are guided tours that start at the hut.

24. Vonarskarð hot springs

Why go

Vonarskarð is a hard-to-access hot spring area hidden in the central highlands of Iceland. Vonarskarð has a little bit of everything:

• a little bit of Landmannalaugar-like mountains
• a little bit of Kerlingarfjöll-like hot springs
• a few colossal glaciers around
• a lot of harsh central highlands everywhere

How to get there

Vonarskarð is one of the most difficult-to-access places in Iceland. It has two main access points:

1. The western one via the Svarthöfði dirt track
2. The northern one via the Gjósta dirt track

List of all F-roads in Iceland with detailed info on each road.

To reach these points, you must first get into the central highlands, either by road F26 or by the central F910.

Most of these roads involve crossing medium to big rivers, and we highly recommend driving them exclusively in a super jeep.

Our tips

We visited Vonarskarð because we’d heard a story from one hiker describing a beautiful remote hot spring where he supposedly bathed at. We desperately searched for this hot spring but haven’t found any. Only steaming fumaroles not suitable for any bathing.

25. Bergárfoss waterfall

Why go

Bergarfoss waterfall is most likely the prettiest and most secluded waterfall in North Iceland. Foreign tourists only very rarely stumble upon this waterfall, and locals don’t tend to visit the place either.

This makes Bergárfoss one of the hidden gems of North Iceland. The unclear directions on how to reach the waterfall will probably keep Bergárfoss away from the crowds for the time being.

How to get there

To reach the Bergárfoss, you must first get to the more famous Kolugljúfur Canyon. From there, take the local gravel road further to the south, but on the eastern bank of the river, not the western one.

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After about 4km (2.5 mi) long drive, you need to stop, leave your car at the side of the road, and continue by walking. Finding Bergárfoss is part of the adventure!

A 4wd car is necessary for all seasons to pass the gravel road safely. The road may be impassable in winter, although a large 4×4 car like Land Cruiser may be able to make it when appropriately driven.

Our tips

Please never block the road with your car, nor touch the moss or anything alive with your vehicle! Park on the gravel instead!

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