Top 10 Hidden Gems Along Iceland's Golden Circle
Iceland’s Golden Circle welcomes a large number of tourists every year, though many of them skip through at a rapid pace, seeing little more than the three key sites of Thingvellir National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and Gullfoss waterfall. Attractive though these surely are, there’s plenty more to see in this part of Iceland. Off the beaten track, these ten places are hidden gems in comparison to the headlining trio. Let’s see what you might discover if you spend a little more time in this appealing area.
Brúarhlöð Canyon
It’s common in Iceland for myths and legends to be associated with natural landforms. This aspect of the country’s cultural heritage is evident in Brúarhlöð Canyon – it’s said to be the home of some petrified trolls. This overlooked canyon is on the Hvitá River, the same one on which Gullfoss waterfall sits. Yet, this place receives a fraction of the footfall. Its breccia rock walls are a photogenic deep charcoal colour and it’s a splendid place for a hike. Also, this is the ideal setting for a river rafting adventure. As you pass through this narrow canyon, paddlers will get a different perspective on the milky water rich with glacial sediment.
Gamla Laugin (Secret Lagoon)
It’s clear from the Haukadalur valley, home to Strokkur geyser, that geothermal activity is part of what shapes the Golden Circle route. So it should come as no surprise to learn that Gamla Laugin – nicknamed Secret Lagoon – relies on naturally heated water to fill its pool. This is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland, dating back to 1891, but was abandoned in the 1930s, unused for more than six decades. Then, it was restored and people are now rediscovering what was once lost. While it’s not quite the hidden gem that it once was, it still retains that authentic vibe.
Laugarvatn
The lake at Laugarvatn is popular during the warmer months with paddle boarders, and it’s a serene spot to unwind if you’ve been sightseeing along the Golden Circle. The lake also attracts anglers; with a permit you can fish for Arctic char and brown trout. If you prefer to skip this stage, then it’s good to know you can taste smoked trout from the lake as a topping for the tasty rye bread that is baked at Laugarvatn Fontana. This geothermal spa – add it to your regular GrayLine Golden Circle tour – makes good use of its setting, not only relying on the heat from the ground to slow cook its baked goods but also to heat the lakeshore pools.
Hrunalaug Hot Spring
If you’re looking for a contrast to sophisticated luxurious geothermal spas such as Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon, why not seek out Hrunalaug. This rustic spot is the ideal place to get back to nature as you soak in warm water which has a delightful temperature of between 37° and 38°C. This hot springs boasts three small pools. Originally, there was only Laundry Pool, dug out by a local farmer in the 1890s. As the years have passed, the landowners have added Sheep Pool (in 1935) and most recently a third pool to accommodate visiting tourists.
Skálholt Cathedral
The settled history of Iceland dates back more than a thousand years and the religious function of this place goes back almost as far. The cathedral at Skálholt was the site of one of the country’s earliest places of worship. Iceland’s first bishopric was founded here in 1056, though if you’re thinking that the church you see today can’t be as old, you’d be right. It was erected in1963, the latest of ten churches that have graced this location. During building work, several important archaeological finds were made, including the headstones belonging to the graves of some former bishops and a stone coffin that included the remains of one of them.
Friðheimar Farm
How do you grow tomatoes in a place with a cold climate like Iceland? The owners of Friðheimar Farm have the answers and are happy to show you how they harness geothermal energy to heat their greenhouses. Naturally occurring hot water is piped through the greenhouses, warming the air inside. Under glass, this creates the perfect growing conditions for a bumper crop of tomatoes. It’s not exactly a hidden gem anymore, but if you want to delve deeper than the three main sights of the Golden Circle this is a good place to do so. Grab lunch in the café while you’re there – a dish made from tomatoes of course.
Kerið crater
Another must-see beyond Thingvellir, Geysir and Gullfoss is Kerið crater. Originally this was an explosion crater caused by a volcanic eruption which happened many centuries ago. Today, water has collected in the impressive hollow, which measures 55 metres deep and 270 metres across. In summer, the red rock walls are usually covered in bright green moss, while in winter, snow often shrouds the crater’s sloping sides. Either way, set against the blue water, it makes an arresting sight that will appeal to visitors, who can hike right around the crater rim and admire it from all angles.
Helgufoss
Many of Iceland’s waterfalls – not least the Golden Circle’s Gullfoss – are firmly on the beaten track when it comes to tourism. In comparison, this is relatively undiscovered. Measuring about 12 metres high, it’s not as tall or powerful as some waterfalls, but it is a pretty detour if you’re travelling through the verdant Mosfellsdalur valley as part of your Golden Circle excursion. This valley was home to Iceland’s only winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Halldór Laxness. It’s easy to understand how a landscape as bucolic as this could have provided inspiration for his poems, short stories and novels such as the critically acclaimed Independent People.
Þórufoss (Thorufoss)
Measuring 16 metres tall, this small waterfall is another that’s sometimes overlooked by travellers in the Golden Circle region. That’s a pity, because it’s a really pretty spot, especially in winter when in prolonged spells of cold weather it can freeze over. This photogenic quality attracted the attention for scouts looking for suitable filming locations for Game of Thrones; it was where the Children of the Forest lived. If you’re keen to lay eyes on it yourself, you’ll find it to the east of Thingvallavatn Lake on the Laxá í Kjós River, a water course known for its abundance of salmon.
Efstidalur ice cream
Like Friðheimar, this is another place along the Golden Circle route where visitors can gain an insight into Icelandic farming. It’s a thriving business that’s been passed down through seven generations of the same family. Here, the focus is on dairy products rather than tomatoes and you’ll find products such as skyr and cheese. Efstidalur is most famous for its delicious ice cream, which is enough of a reason in itself to call in while you’re in the area. Stop by the farm’s Ishlaðan barn to sample the organic ice cream made right here on the premises. They also have a restaurant which specialises in farm-to-table dining.
Whether you see the highlights of the Golden Circle on a tour with Gray Line Iceland, add on a visit to Secret Lagoon or Laugarvatn or spend additional time exploring on your own, this part of Iceland is well worth a day or two of your time.