Ten years ago, Iceland wasn’t even on my bucket list. Today, after having visited the nordic nation almost six years ago, it remains to be my favorite country visited.
Social media posts inspired me to visit the veritable dreamland. With its rainbows, verdant pastures, idyllic villages and surging waterfalls, it was as if the only thing missing from the country were unicorns.
Like so many before me, I was drawn to the milky waters of the mineral-steeped Blue Lagoon, compelling me to visit with my husband and infant daughter in 2019. However, I’m glad we ventured beyond the Golden Circle for a weeklong road trip through southern Iceland to explore far more pristine locations that left a lasting impression.
The good news is that Iceland isn’t very crowded to start. It has one of the lowest population densities in Europe, at roughly four people per square kilometer. It isn’t even among the list of top 50 countries in terms of visitor arrivals, having raked in only 2.3 million visitors in 2024, compared to #50 on the list, Brazil, which drew 5.9 million.
However, Iceland has gained popularity over the years, according to figures from the Icelandic Tourist Board, so if you are looking for more isolated spots to find some peace, there are alternative locations that offer some of the same sought-after features of the hot spots, with far fewer people.
1. Bruarfoss, The Serene Blue Oasis
Searching for those bright blue waters? Skip the man-made Blue Lagoon, which has a bit of an industrial backdrop, requires tickets and paces visitors’ entry to avoid overcrowding. Truly, the Blue Lagoon is not worth the effort. The lagoon is fed by waste water (albeit, safe, mineral-rich water) from a nearby geothermal plant and attracts scores of visitors to its silica banks. For all the hype surrounding it, I was disappointed that the water felt tepid at best after just a few minutes of soaking.
Instead, I suggest visiting the fresh, free-flowing Bruarfoss, one of Iceland’s most captivating hidden waterfalls. Tucked away from the tourist trails, Bruarfoss is renowned for its enchanting turquoise waters. The hike to this stunning oasis is muddy and challenging, but every step is worth the effort. There isn’t much activity along the trail so you’ll enjoy a peaceful respite. Just be sure to wear proper hiking boots with good treads– the path is often slippery, and I found myself grasping for tree branches, bushes and roots to keep from falling along the way. I wouldn’t recommend it for small children (I left my infant with my husband in the car). The payoff was worth it: churning blue rapids cascading over inky lava rock. I felt far more alive and rejuvenated when I reached the falls compared to when I soaked in the lukewarm Blue Lagoon.
If, however, you are seeking a relaxing spa day, there are numerous other hotels and resorts near thermal pools where you can have a much more intimate experience. The Myvatn Nature Baths and Sky Lagoon are reportedly less crowded, and even our Minniborgir Cottage in Grimsnes came with a naturally heated private hot tub.
2. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon: Nature’s Grand Design
If plunging canyons are what you are after, embark on an adventure to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. This majestic canyon, formed by centuries of glacial meltwater, invites you to explore its dramatic cliffs and winding river below. Unlike the more popular Stuðlagil basalt column canyon, Fjaðrárgljúfur offers a serene escape into nature, where you can hike along well-marked paths and take in panoramic views that seem to stretch endlessly. The vibrant green walls of the canyon, coupled with the shimmering waters below are the visual treat you need for a blissful escape.
3. Dverghamrar: The Enchanted Basalt Columns
Looking for those hexagonal patterned columns? The basalt columns at Reynisfjara Beach are a common focal point for visitors. However, a number of people amass at the beach and climb the columns, so it’s almost impossible to enjoy it peacefully or snap a photo without another human being in the picture.
That’s why I much preferred Dverghamrar, or “Dwarf Rocks,” where I couldn’t find another person in sight. The folklore suggests this to be the home of dwarves and elves.
This lesser-known spot allows you to marvel at the unique geological features without the hustle and bustle of tourists. The intriguing shapes and patterns of the columns are a testament to Iceland’s volcanic activity, making Dverghamrar a fascinating site for geology lovers. The natural formation of basalt columns occurs with the cooling and contraction of lava. Walk around this peaceful area, take pictures, and enjoy the tranquility that surrounds you.
4. Jökulsárlón: The Glacial Wonderland
The ice is bigger, bolder and bluer at Jokulsarlon compared to Diamond Beach, though the two are close to each other, so you could easily visit both. Instead of the bling at Diamond Beach though, you’ll find ‘bergs bobbing at the lagoon. Plus, the iceberg lagoon is teeming with seals.
If you head to the lagoon earlier in the day, you’ll encounter fewer visitors. In the afternoons and evenings, there are more tourists who take rafts onto the waters, and amphibious craft carry visitors from land into the lagoon for an immersive experience to touch and taste the ice.
You’re likely to not run into many crowds in Iceland anyway, but to truly enjoy the country’s remote, unsullied landscapes, there are quieter spots where you can retreat. You’ll feel miles apart from anything or anyone else in the world, making these ideal for anyone looking to disconnect for awhile.
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