07 Dec 4 Hidden Gems in Iceland

You might just stumble upon a waterfall or another beautiful attraction while visiting Iceland because they are so prevalent. However, Iceland also has a few wonders that are more difficult to find. Many people miss out on experiencing them simply because they do not know they exist. I did extensive research before visiting Iceland, and yet I only found half of the locations listed below. I found out about the other half while in Iceland. As a matter of fact, we learned about them on the same day we then visited them. Here is my list of the four hidden gems in Iceland. 

Looking to reduce the stress of packing? Then check out my list of Iceland hiking essentials as well as international travel essentials.

Contents:

1) Hidden Hot Springs by Seljavallalaug Pool

2) Stuðlagil Canyon

3) Gljúfrabúi Waterfall

4) Tarn (aka Mountain Lake) in Flúðir

1) Hidden Hot Springs by Seljavallalaug Pool – Iceland Hidden Gems

• Estimated visit time: 2 hours
• Parking: Seljavallalaug Bílastæði or Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool Car Park
• How we found it: review on google maps for Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool
• Article for more information: What to Know Before Visiting Seljavallalaug Pool in Iceland and Best Hidden Hot Springs in Iceland

Location

The hidden hot springs are such a hidden gem that they do not even have a formal name. They are in southern Iceland, just beyond Seljavallalaug Pool. To cut down on walking time, park at Seljavallalaug Bílastæði and walk about 20 minutes to reach Seljavallalaug Pool. 

Some nearby attractions include the popular Gljúfrabúi and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, which are connected to each other by a short path. Additionally, the majestic Skógafoss waterfall is only a short drive away. These are three waterfalls you do not want to miss during your visit to Iceland, trust me. 

Rocks outlining the hidden hot springs

Nearby Lodging

We stayed at Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast in the Golden Circle the night before we visited the hot springs. We then stayed at the South Iceland Guesthouse the following night. For additional recommendations, check out some of the best hotels in the Golden Circle. 

Directions

To arrive at the hidden springs, you have to walk just five minutes past Seljavallalaug Pool. As you walk past the pool, keep to the left of the river. You will then come to a section where the river extends the entire width of the valley. If you lean forward and look around the bend, you might just see the circular pools waiting for you on the other side.

The final step to get there is to walk through the river. You do not have to cross the river, but instead walk through the river as you hug the left side of the mountain. Brace the cold waters for about 30 feet, and you will have made it. The warm waters are waiting as your reward.

Pointing to one of the hidden hot springs

General Information

How did I find these hot spring hidden gems in Iceland? They did not turn up in any of my research before I left for Iceland. However, when we arrived at the parking lot for Seljavallalaug Pool, I looked at the google reviews one last time to make sure I had the correct directions for walking there. I then noticed a review saying there were even better pools just slightly past Seljavallalaug Pool. We took the chance and decided to check it out. Such a fantastic outcome! 

Background

There are two hot springs in the area. The first is about 6 x 6 x 1.5, right along the edge of the river, in almost a perfect circle. The second is about 5 x 4 x 1, just slightly higher against the edge of the mountain. Sit down, relax, and let the naturally warm waters refuel your muscles, skin, and energy. We stayed for about an hour or so. The water was incredibly warm, and we even had to get out a couple of times to cool down.

If interested in learning more, check out these articles: What to Know Before Visiting Seljavallalaug Pool in Iceland and Best Hidden Hot Springs in Iceland.

Relaxing in the hidden hot springs, appreciating the view

2) Stuðlagil Canyon

• Estimated visit time: 2 hours   
• Parking: Stuðlagil East Side Parking or Parkplatz Klaustrusel – Stuðlagil
• How we found it: google research and reading travel blogs
• Article for more information: Favorite Activity in Iceland: Hiking to Stuðlagil Canyon

Location – Iceland Hidden Gems

Stuðlagil Canyon made it on my list of the four hidden gems in Iceland due to the fact it was dangerous to even visit the area until around 2009. Many still do not know it is a tourist attraction to this day.

However, it was actually my favorite activity in Iceland. That is right – it beat out everything else we did within our week-long trip (and we did a lot). To learn more about my favorites, check out my Top 3 Things to Do in Iceland and Top 10 Things to Do in Iceland.

Nearby Lodging

The night before visiting Stuðlagil Canyon, we stayed at Eidavellir Apartments and Rooms. The following night we stayed at Akureyri H.I. Hostel. On the other hand, why not turn your trip to Iceland into a romantic getaway? Book a stay at one (or more) of the most romantic hotels in Iceland.

View of a small waterfall at the beginning of Stuðlagil Canyon

Directions – Iceland Hidden Gems

Park on the west side if you desire to only visit the viewpoint of the canyon. Please note you cannot hike down from this side. 

Park at Stuðlagil East Side Parking if you desire to hike down into the canyon. To shorten your hike, you can even continue beyond the east side lot by crossing the bridge, driving until the end of the road, and parking in the Parkplatz lot. Then follow the trail beginning at that lot. There are no markers, but you can easily see the trail due to other people walking there previously.

During the hike you will pass through one gate (I think it is there to keep the sheep in). Once you see the viewpoint on the other side, you will know you are close. Shortly after the viewpoint you can begin hiking down into the canyon beside the river. Make your way down along the rocks – though be careful as they can be slippery or loose. 

General Information

Before 2009, Stuðlagil was dangerous due to the powerful Jökla river flowing through it. Iceland built a hydroelectric plant in 2009 and thus decreased Jökla’s flow to the extent it is now safe to visit. I found out about Stuðlagil when conducting extensive research into Iceland and its attractions. Not many articles mentioned its existence, and I knew it might just be one of the hidden gems Iceland has to offer.

Once you arrive at the canyon, you will be amazed. The turquoise water is beautiful and clear. It is also pure, as it runs from a glacier. You can walk around as much as you desire, for the basalt rock columns work well as stepping stones. 

Up-close view of the basalt rock columns in the canyon

Background – Iceland Hidden Gems

The walls of Stuðlagil are basalt rock columns, which formed through columnar jointing. It is a fairly complex process as the lava flows, cools, shrinks, and then breaks. When it breaks, it does so into hexagonal pieces, thus creating the columns. Stuðlagil boasts the largest quantity of basalt rock columns in all of Iceland. To see more basalt rock columns in Iceland, check out Svartifoss waterfall and Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach.

The river within Stuðlagil is known primarily as Jökla, though it does also go by Jökulsá á Brú and Jökulsá á Dal. Why does it have three names? Well, it earned all those names due to the fact it is so powerful. Jökla forged its way across Iceland and created this canyon. Additionally, it is a glacial river, for it flows from Vatnojökull glacier. 

A Hint of Adventure

If you want the full experience, you can jump in the river. You might think I am weird, but hear me out. When we visited, we had no idea people jumped in the river. We saw one person jump in and thought they were just looking for an adrenaline rush. However, we then saw another person jump in…and another….and another. Eventually whole groups of people jumped in. We figured – why not? – and then jumped in ourselves. The water was COLD, and it knocked the air out of my lungs. But it was also such a unique and memorable experience. When else will I have the opportunity to jump in a turquoise glacial river in Iceland? 

I know, just thinking about jumping a glacial river might make you cold. Do not worry, Iceland has a lot of geothermal pools as well. For example, there is the Blue Lagoon in the southwest and Myvatn Nature Baths in the north.

For more information, check out this article: Favorite Activity in Iceland: Hiking to Stuðlagil Canyon.

By the river’s edge at Stuðlagil Canyon

3) Gljúfrabúi Waterfall – Iceland Hidden Gems

• Estimated visit time: 45 minutes   
• Parking: Seljalandsfoss Parking 
• How we found it: google research and reading travel blogs
• Article for more information: Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls in Iceland

Location 

Third up on my list of hidden gems in Iceland is Gljúfrabúi. Gljúfrabúi was my FAVORITE waterfall in Iceland. Being the favorite means a lot because we visited 15+ waterfalls during our nine day road trip. For more of my favorites, check out my list of the Four Best Waterfalls in Iceland. 

Gljúfrabúi is located in southern Iceland, right next to Seljalandsfoss. For reference, it is less than an hour’s drive from the city of Reykjavík. It is thus in a prime location for either a day or a weekend trip from the city.

Looking through the gorge to Gljúfrabúi

Nearby Lodging

We stayed at Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast in the Golden Circle the night before we visited Gljúfrabúi. We then stayed at the South Iceland Guesthouse the following night. 

If you do not want to be in charge of planning the logistics for your visit here, then just book a two-day south coast tour and have someone else do the planning for you!

Directions

You can park at Seljalandsfoss Parking, which has a fee of 800 ISK (~$6). Check out Seljalandsfoss before heading over to Gljúfrabúi. There is even a path behind the falls so you can see it from a new perspective.

When you are ready, walk the short 1.3 mile loop from Seljalandsfoss to Gljúfrabúi. The path is flat and well-maintained. To see Gljúfrabúi, you have to enter a small gorge. If you want to avoid getting your feet wet, try to carefully step on the rocks. Otherwise, I would suggest wearing rain boots or another pair of waterproof footwear. 

Standing inside the gorge to see Gljúfrabúi

General Information – Iceland Hidden Gems

Gljúfrabúi waterfall is on my list of hidden gems in Iceland because some people visit Seljalandsfoss yet completely miss Gljúfrabúi. It is not fully visible from the road or from the trail, thus causing people to overlook its existence.

You have to enter a small gorge, trekking through the stream or stepping carefully on rocks to avoid getting wet. As you enter, you are met with Gljúfrabúi all at once. It is incredible such a small gorge can hide such a majestic waterfall. For the perfect picture, step up onto the rock right before the falls.

Another Iceland attraction located within a small gorge is Rauðfeldsgjá on Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Background

Gljúfrabúi stands at 130 feet (~40 meters) tall and flows from the Gljúfurá River. The term “Gljúfur” means “canyon” while “búi” means “dweller”. Therefore, Gljúfrabúi can translate to something similar to “canyon dweller” in English.

Additionally, there is a campground next to the falls for those needing a campsite for the night.

Check out this article if you are planning to visit Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls in Iceland.

Looking up at (and getting soaked by) Gljúfrabúi

4) Tarn (aka Mountain Lake) in Flúðir

• Estimated visit time: 1.5+ hours 
• Parking: Skeiða-og Hrunamannavegur 64.118726, -20.317397
• How we found it: recommendation from Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast owner
• Article for more information: Discovering the Tarn (Mountain Lake) in Flúðir, Iceland

Location – Iceland Hidden Gems

Last on my list of four hidden gems in Iceland is the Flúðir Tarn (aka mountain lake). The tarn is located in the town of Flúðir, hence the name. For reference, it is within the Golden Circle and only an hour and a half outside of Reykjavík. You can thus plan a visit whether you are in Iceland for one day, a weekend, or even an entire week. 

Hiking up to the Flúðir Tarn

Nearby Lodging

We stayed the night at Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast after visiting the tarn. For additional recommendations, check out some of the best hotels in the Golden Circle.

Moreover, we only found out about the tarn’s existence due to the Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast owner. We asked for any recommendations in the area, and they said the tarn was hands down their favorite activity nearby. 

Directions

The directions we received begin from Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast:

1. Drive out of the short gravel road leading to Skyggnir and turn left onto Hrunavegur (344). 

2. Then continue driving along Hrunavegur for five to 10 minutes before turning left onto Skeiða-og Hrunamannavegur (30), which is the main road. 

3. Pass a farm on the right hand side.

4. About one to two minutes after you pass the farm, there is a grass/dirt parking area on the right side of the road: Skeiða-og Hrunamannavegur 64.118726, -20.317397.

While there are no signs for this hike, it was still fairly easy to find. At first we drove past the parking lot, for I was expecting a larger lot, a sign, or something to alert us the hike was nearby. If you also pass the lot, no worries. We turned around shortly after we passed it so that we could return there and park. 

After parking, walk for about 20-30 feet past the lot on the right side of the road. You should see an orange marker, and that is the signal for you to begin hiking. Due to people hiking previously, you can somewhat see a trail up the mountain. As long as you are hiking up, you are going in the right direction. The hike is short yet uphill and will take approximately 30 minutes each way. 

View of the Flúðir Tarn

General Information – Iceland Hidden Gems

This location is truly one of the best hidden gems in Iceland. We found nothing about the tarn in all of our research before visiting Iceland, and I did a lot of research before traveling. When we arrived at Skyggnir Bed and Breakfast, we asked the owner if they had any recommendations for nearby attractions. Their number one recommendation was this lake on top of the mountain. They said it is their favorite activity in the area, and they complete the hike all the time for fun. 

We took their word for it and ventured off to find the hike. It was well worth it! The view from the top was incredible. It almost felt like we were on flat ground and not on a mountain. Once you arrive at the top, you can decide how much time you want to spend there. We walked around the lake for a little while on the left side, amounting to a total of around 30 minutes. If you wish to hike around the entire lake, you will probably need an hour or more as it is fairly large. 

In search of other hikes in Iceland? Then check out the hike to the DC-3 Plane Wreck as well as along Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.

Background

I would say the difficulty of the hike ranges between easy and moderate, depending on your hiking experience. While the hike is quite short at only 30 minutes each way, it is also uphill the entire time. Additionally, I do not know the exact elevation gain but would estimate a few hundred feet. 

Here is more information for your visit: ​​Discovering the Tarn (Mountain Lake) in Flúðir, Iceland.

Enjoying the views at the Tarn in Flúðir

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