Alternative Iceland: outdoor adventures off the beaten track

With its naturally heated pools, black sand beaches, and colored lights that dance in the night sky, Iceland is pretty unique already. All of the classic Iceland activities and sights are incredible, from soaking in the Blue Lagoon to road-tripping the Ring Road and taking in the Golden Circle sights. However, there’s more to Iceland than the big-hitters: far-flung fjords, rainbow mountains, and wild hot spring rivers await in our guide to unique things to do in Iceland beyond the headline sights.

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Key takeaways:

• Away from the typical tourist trail, Iceland’s wilder side is well worth discovering, from remote waterfalls, colorful mountains and quiet hiking trails to dramatic canyons, fjords and puffin-filled islands.
• For a refreshing spot of relaxation, you can go beyond the Blue Lagoon with hidden geothermal pools, hot springs, lesser-known swimming spots, and even a quirky Icelandic beer spa.
• Unusual experiences await near Reykjavik, including offbeat museums, peaceful green spaces, and an underground journey through the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel.

Wild experiences and encounters with Icelandic nature

Go in search of puffins on the uninhabited island of Drangey

The tiny volcanic island of Drangey sits off the northern Iceland coast at the entrance to the Skagafjörður fjord. Its sheer cliffs are a haven for seabirds, including charismatic puffins, guillemots and shearwaters, making a visit to its shores one of the more unique things to do in Iceland for birders and wildlife enthusiasts.

Boat trips take small groups out to visit the island, landing at a small hidden jetty. From there it’s a steep climb up the cliff to the grassy top where hikers are rewarded with fantastic views across the ocean. Drangey is also laced with stories from the legendary Icelandic sagas, which your local guide is sure to share.

Experience the force of the country’s more remote waterfalls

From rushing torrents to monumental two-tiered drops, Iceland is famous for its thrilling array of waterfalls. By all means, visitors should see the spectacular Gullfoss on the Golden Circle, and photogenic Skogafoss, easily accessible from the southern Ring Road. But many more hidden cascades are just as lovely and often crowd-free.

Our favorite is the 198m Glymur, Iceland’s second-highest waterfall. Not far from Reykjavik, it’s found at the tail end of a long fjord. The kicker is that there’s no road access, so reaching the waterfall involves a four-hour hike on foot. If you are ready for the challenge, seeing the glimmer of Glymer as you approach along the fjord is well worth the effort.

Visit Landmannalaugar’s lava fields, hot springs and mountains

Way out in the Southern Highlands, Landmannalaugar presents a singular landscape, even for Iceland. Within the remote Fjallabak Nature Reserve, rugged rhyolite mountains are streaked with vivid colors like brushstrokes from a multi-hued palette.

As well as rainbow mountains, there are thermally heated springs to soak in and plenty of hiking opportunities. These include the epic four-day Laugavegur Trail, a hut-to-hut hike through spectacular scenery. Getting to Landmannalaugar and hiking the Laugavegur Trail are only possible during the summer months, and with a 4×4 vehicle for access.

Read more: Spending summer in Iceland

Gaze in awe at the columns of Stuðlagil Canyon

Above the icy Vatnajökull National Park and inland from the Eastfjords, visiting Stuðlagil Canyon is one of the more unique things to do in Iceland. The river canyon is fed by pure glacial waters that glow beautifully blue in the right conditions (when recent rain hasn’t stirred up sediment). Lining the waterway are striking formations of basalt stone columns.

Some of these basalt patterns stand straight and tall, while others curve and bend as if sculpted by the river flow. This special place was found when a nearby hydroelectric power plant was created in 2008. The plant caused the water levels in this particular river to drop, revealing the intricate basalt patterns.

Explore the remote Westfjords for boundless mountainous beauty

Southern Iceland is by far the most visited region of the country, but the intrepid, and those with a little more time, should consider setting their sights northwest to the wilds of the Westfjords. Remote and beautiful, this sparsely populated peninsula has a mountainous interior and a fjord-riven coast. Traveling here takes time and a road trip is only possible during the summer months. Those that do venture here will be rewarded with dramatic views, clear roads, and a good dose of solitude.

Hike your way across the remote paths of the Víknaslóðir trails

Many travelers whizz past the Eastfjords on their way north along the Ring Road, or don’t quite make it there when exploring the southeast coast. This is definitely an oversight, especially for fans of quiet walking trails through gorgeous rolling landscapes. Víknaslóðir is crisscrossed with accessible, well-marked walking trails. These aren’t epic hikes through challenging terrain; instead, they offer more gentle routes that can be scaled up or down, depending on time, energy and inclination.

Read more: Iceland’s hiking hotspots

Geothermal secrets beyond the Blue Lagoon

Soak in hidden natural pools, from Hofsos to Seljavallalaug

We’ve all heard about the balmy waters of Iceland’s spectacular Blue Lagoon, but there are dozens more geothermal pools around the country. Landbrotalaug Hot Pot is one of our favorite Iceland hidden gems. This hot spring pool for two is way out in the wilds of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, but well worth tracking down.

In addition to wild pools, Iceland is home to some spectacular geothermally heated man-made swimming pools. Hofsos Outdoor Swimming Pool in the north and Seljavallalaug in the south are both excellent pools worth adding to your Iceland trip ideas.

Seek out the geothermal riches of lesser-known towns

Firmly on the geothermal trail is the southern town of Hveragerði. Here, greenhouses are heated with geothermal energy, growing tender fruits such as tomatoes and strawberries. There’s also a steamy Geothermal Park to explore and a hike to a thermal river where you can bathe in warm waters amidst the hills.

In the remote Westfjords, the little town of Drangsnes is further off the beaten path. Here, a set of hidden hot tubs graces the shoreline with spectacular views across the fjord and mountains.

Try an Icelandic beer spa for a unique wellness experience

One of the more alternative Iceland activities is a visit to the Beer Spa in the north of the country. Bathers should avoid sipping from the warmed, hot-tub beer, but there is unlimited cold beer on tap to savor as you soak.

Read more: The wonderful waterfalls of Iceland

Unique things to do in and close to Reykjavik

Get to know some of the city’s lesser-known museums and activities

Small, but full of character, Reykjavik deserves a spot on your Iceland bucket list. It’s a capital city full of surprises, with some truly unique museums to seek out. Not far from one of the main shopping areas, the Icelandic Punk Museum is housed in a former public toilet and charts the history of punk in Iceland. There’s also a small shop selling current alternative Icelandic music.

Then, there’s the Penis Museum… visiting the largest collection of penises in the world is almost certainly one of the more unique things to do in Iceland! After this, the Whale Museum, Cat Café, and lava flow exhibition will seem quite normal.

Spend time in urban oases outside the city

Elliðaárdalur is the largest green space within Reykjavik’s city limits. This natural landscape of rivers, waterfalls and lush greenery is encircled by a 10km loop for cyclists and walkers. The river is stocked with freshwater fish, but only licensed anglers are permitted to cast a line. Another urban oasis is Öskjuhlíð, a hilly, forested area crisscrossed with trails for hikers and mountain bike enthusiasts.

Journey into the Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel

Visiting the Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel is one of the most fascinating things to do in Iceland near Reykjavik. Just a 30-minute drive from the city, visitors can descend into one of the country’s longest lava tubes. Formed 5,000 years ago, the walls of this 30m-long tunnel are decorated in vivid mineral colors. Walkways and staircases have been installed, allowing for easy access, and in winter visitors can admire underground ice sculptures.

Read more: Discovering Icelandic cuisine

Make it happen

Seek out even more unique things to do in Iceland by reaching out to our locally-based travel experts, who know the country inside and out. They can help tailor your trip to make it exactly as you want it, in line with your budget, requirements, and passions.