Five places in Iceland that will steal your heart

When you think of Iceland, your mind probably goes straight to the big hitters— something like Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, or the Sky Lagoon. And hey, those spots are amazing. However, here are five places in Iceland that are off the beaten path and worth including in your Iceland itinerary.

Borgarfjörður Eystri – mountains and magic

Tucked away in Iceland’s remote Eastfjords, Borgarfjörður Eystri is a beautiful village that feels like a fairytale that forgot it was supposed to end. With jagged rhyolite peaks, a puffin colony, and some of the most dramatic hiking trails in the country, it’s a haven for outdoor lovers and solitude seekers.

Hofsós Swimming Pool – soak with a view

Most visitors rush to the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon for their geothermal fix, but the best soak in Iceland might just be in a quiet fishing village up north. Hofsós Swimming Pool, perched on a hill above the sea, serves up infinity-pool vibes with a side of serenity.

Djúpavík

On the far-flung Strandir coast of the Westfjords, Djúpavík has an abandoned herring factory, a favorite spot for photographers looking for that rusty, post-apocalyptic chic. If you want more of that, Djúpavík also sports the rusting hulk of the boat ‘Sudurland.’ With a nice hotel and art exhibitions in this remote and beautiful place, Djúpavík is genuinely a different destination.

Vík i Mýrdal’s secret side

Yes, Vík is famous for its black sand beach and that pretty church on the hill, but wander just a bit further and discover the hidden gems that most day-trippers miss.

Drive past Reynisfjara Black Beach and visit Reynisfjall for a sweeping view of Reynisdrangar sea stacks. I recently tried Paragliding with my friends at True Adventure, and it was such a thrilling experience. Close by is the nearby Hjörleifshöfði promontory, which is an essential stop in Iceland. It has the incredible Yoda cave, which is inextricably linked to Iceland’s ‘official-settlement story.’ I will write an article someday to tear that nonsense apart, but not today!

Hellnar and Arnarstapi – coastline poetry on the Snæfellsnes peninsula

Often dubbed “Iceland in Miniature,” the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is packed with natural wonders. Head to the small coastal hamlets of Hellnar and Arnarstapi. The trail between them is just 2.5 km long. However, the trail is breathtaking, with crashing waves, sea arches, lava cliffs, and a view of the Snæfellsjökull glacier.