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Iceland: Nature, Food and Trails

Hidden hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and photo stops

Selected by
@passportarchives

Hallgrimskirkja
This modern cathedral was consecrated in 1986. It has a 73 meters tower (you need to pay to go up to the top). The interior is beautiful, but modest in comparison.
Churches…
Erbil Kebab
This restaurant is the only one open till late in Selfoss, and it has amazing quality food. The portions are nice, the flavors on spot.
Restaura…
Centrum Kitchen & Bar
This restaurant has a menu that changes often and with dishes that mix different flavors. The prawns are delicious if you want to taste some sea flavor. If not, their burger is also a classic. A little pricey but so good.
Restaura…
Pósthús Food Hall & Bar
This food hall has a mix of various cuisines: Mexican, Japanese, British, Italian, Chinese, and Icelandic. The food is good, the portions are generous and the staff is quick and friendly.
Food cou…
Laugarvatn Fontana
This modern spa is right on the lake, with natural steam baths, outdoor mineral pools, and a sauna. The water is natural, and the views are amazing.
Natural …
Stuðlagil
A canyon with amazing views of basalt columns and deep blue water. The hike takes 30 minutes from the parking and is so worth it.
Nature
Hvitserkur
This 15 meters tall rock formation has the shape of a rhino or a dragon, visible from a black sand beach. You can spot seals, seagulls with chicks, and ducks on your way here.
Nature
Mýrdalsjökull
This glacier is a bit of a hidden gem. The hike offers great views from the top. A must-visit.
Nature
Reynisfjara Beach
This black volcanic sand beach with basalt rocks is super unique. The waves are pretty dangerous, so be careful.
Beach
Seydisfjordur
This small town is one of the most picturesque towns of Iceland. It sits at the end of the fjord with the same name.
Area
Snæfellsnes
This peninsula is known for its diverse landscapes, with volcanoes, glaciers, and black sand beaches. You can walk here for hours and enjoy all it has to offer.
Nature
Kerið Crater
This lake inside a volcanic crater offers a colorful view of red rock contrasting with green water. You can do both: walk around the crater and walk down to the water.
Nature
Hallormsstaður Forest
This Iceland forest is unique and a good place for coming and hiking. There’s also several picnic tables in case you want to eat there.
Nature
Svínafellsjökull
This glacier has amazing views of the mountains and icebergs scattered everywhere. It’s a short 10 minute walk from the parking lot to get here.
Nature
Blue Lagoon
This hot spring is a must visit, with steamy milky-blue water and amazing views of the mountains.
Natural …
Stuðlafoss Waterfall
A beautiful waterfall surrounded by basalt columns, with easy access from the parking lot. You can reach the bottom of the canyon from this point.
Waterfal…
Kvernufoss
A waterfall that is often skipped in the biggest tours, so it’s quieter and less crowded. The trails getting there are beautiful.
Waterfal…
Rauðufossar
A hidden gem. You need to go for a 15 minutes hike from the parking spot to get to this orange waterfall. The views are amazing.
Waterfal…
Svartifoss
A narrow waterfall about 20 meters tall, with dark basaltic columns framing it. The hike to get there is easy and quite short.
Waterfal…
Námaskarð
This narrow geothermal pass between Námafjall and Dalfjall glows with mineral colors, steam, and that hot sulfur smell. Unique spot.
Nature
Thingvellir National Park
A protected area with dramatic rock formations, lakes, ridges, and a national historical shrine. There’s free parking just off the main road, and the restrooms are well maintained.
Nature r…
Goðafoss Waterfall
This beautiful waterfall flows over a curved 12 meter precipice. The paths and viewpoints are very accessible, and there’s even a little hotel nearby.
Waterfal…
Dyrhólaey
Small peninsula with a lighthouse and a massive volcanic rock in the sea. Parking is easy. The perfect spot to watch Puffins.
Nature r…
DC-3 Airplane wreck - Eyvindarholt - Iceland
This spot is a cool place to check out if you’re in the area. The mountain views are beautiful, and it’s a great spot for photos.
Tourist …
Gullfoss Falls
This waterfall is the largest in Europe. It’s powerful, and on sunny days you can see rainbows. It can get a little crowded.
Waterfal…
Landmannalaugar
This mountain peak has amazing views, different trails to explore and hot springs. A must visit as the landscape and the colors are beautiful.
Nature
Rauðisandur
This beach’s sand has an amazing yellow color. The drive here is a little steep and curvy, so be careful. If you’re lucky, you can see seals here.
Beach
Háifoss
One of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland, close to a volcano and pretty remote. It’s a great spot for photos and sort of a hidden gem.
Waterfal…
Kerlingarfjöll
The hike to this mountain peak is challenging, but it’s so worth it. From here, you can admire the geothermal area and the mountains’ colors.
Hiking t…
Vatnajokull
This glacier is the largest ice cap in Iceland and is located in Vatnajökull National Park. You can visit it with a guid and wearing special equipment.
Naturemembers Only
Sigöldugljúfur
This canyon is a true hidden gem and worth the bumpy drive. The waterfalls are beautiful, and the viewpoints are perfect for photographers.
Naturepremium Only
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur
This hot-dog stand dates to 1937 and it has simple but delicious hot dogs. You’ll probably have to wait in line a bit, but it’s worth it.
Streetfo…premium Only
Fardagafoss Waterfall
An easy hike leads to this waterfall, with a smaller waterfall and a canyon along the way. Great views.
Waterfal…premium Only
Forest Lagoon
These thermal baths are surrounded by nature. The facilities are clean and comfy, and they have a sauna and a cold plunge.
Natural …premium Only
Gamli Bærinn
Fish and chips in this place are amazing. The food is American style, the staff is nice and the place feels like home. Vegan options available.
Restaura…premium Only
Stútur crater
This crater has amazing views and an excellent opportunity for photographers. The walk is quite hard, so be prepared.
Naturepremium Only
Black Crust Pizzeria
This popular pizzeria has always people waiting to get in and the line is quite long but fast. The crust is thin and chewy, and the ingredients are fresh.
Restaura…premium Only
Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
These remains of a plane wreck make an interesting stop. You get ocean to one side and hills to the other. Pretty dramatic.
Tourist …premium Only
Fjaðrárgljúfur
This river canyon is pretty popular. There are many viewpoints along the way, and the 30-minute hike is steep but not too difficult.
Naturepremium Only
Mulagljufur Canyon
A canyon with unique views and a glacier on the right side. There are three different waterfalls. The hike up is a little challenging, getting more steep at the end.
Naturepremium Only
Maelifell
A moss covered volcano ringed by black sand. The hiking trails open in summer. The views are beautiful and so worth it.
Naturepremium Only
Hverir
This geothermal area has a strong smell of sulfur. There are lots of mud bubbles and steaming fumaroles, with colorful views.
Naturepremium Only
Ásbyrgi canyon, Iceland
This canyon has a horseshoe shape and a lot of different trails to walk. The hike up is worth it for the views alone.
Naturepremium Only
Hengifoss
This waterfall drops 128 meters over striated rock. The hike up is pretty steep and quite challenging, but the views from the top make it worth it.
Naturepremium Only
Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River
A hiking trail with beautiful views leads to a hot spring river. You can relax in the natural hot pools at the end of the hike before heading back.
Hiking t…premium Only
Grjótagjá
This ancient lava cave has a hot spring people used to bathe in. You can access it easily as the parking is nearby.
Tourist …premium Only
Sólheimajökull
This glacier has great views. You can hike to the base or go on top of it. It’s a place where you need to be careful, so pay attention to the signs.
Hiking t…premium Only
Klifbrekku kaskade Waterfalls
A beautiful waterfall surrounded by mountains. It takes some effort to get there, but the views alone make it so worth it.
Tourist …premium Only
Thakgil
This campsite located in a valley has amazing views and several hiking trails and exploring options. It’s spacious and quiet, and the facilities are clean and well maintained.
Campingpremium Only
Brúarfoss
This blue waterfall is a short walk from the parking lot. Colors are so pretty here, clear blue against the black rock. So worth it.
Waterfal…premium Only
Látrabjarg
This cliff allows you to see puffins, fulmars, razorbills and many other birds. The hike here is a little tough but so worth it.
Naturepremium Only
Strokkur Geyser
This geothermal geyser erupts every few minutes and reaches a height of 20 meters. There’s steam vents and hot pools everywhere.
Naturepremium Only
Ljótipollur
This crater lake is surrounded by volcanic peaks and has crystal-clear water. It’s a 10-minute climb to reach it.
Lakepremium Only
Rauðaskál crater
This hiking trail is a true hidden gem that takes you to a colorful old crater. The climb is steep but not too difficult.
Hiking t…premium Only
Skógafoss
This waterfall attracts many tourists, but if you want to fully enjoy it, go for the long hike along the river. It’s less crowded.
Waterfal…premium Only
Diamond Beach
This beautiful black sand beach has pieces of iceberg drifting ashore. A must stop area, as the contrast between the clear ice and the dark shore is amazing.
Beachpremium Only
Gljúfrabúi
This waterfall is a short, easy walk from Seljalandsfoss. You have to go through a cave or a narrow canyon to reach the waterfall, as it’s quite secluded.
Waterfal…premium Only
Bláhylur
This crater lake has unique views and is very remote. It’s quite difficult to get here, but it’s so worth it.
Lakepremium Only
Hafragilsfoss
This waterfall is next to Dettifoss and Selfoss and has amazing views. The hike is not very difficult, although there’s a section where you have to descend a rope.
Waterfal…premium Only
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