{"id":4105,"date":"2016-06-09T08:00:28","date_gmt":"2016-06-09T08:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=4105"},"modified":"2025-08-21T03:15:21","modified_gmt":"2025-08-21T10:15:21","slug":"7-ways-off-the-beaten-path-iceland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/7-ways-off-the-beaten-path-iceland\/","title":{"rendered":"7 WAYS TO GO OFF THE BEATEN PATH IN ICELAND"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sparkling turquoise water. Bright blue skies. Steam rising slowly, surrounding a mud-masked face staring serenely into the distance. We\u2019ve all seen the iconic Blue Lagoon Instagram photo that screams \u201cI\u2019m in Iceland!\u201d — it\u2019s almost a rite of passage to enter the country. But beyond Blue Lagoon lie dozens of incredible, Instagram-worthy sights that few travelers take the time to visit. I\u2019m talking secret waterfalls, moon-like lava fields and natural hot springs that give Blue Lagoon a run for its Krona.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re planning a trip to the breathtaking land of fire and ice, make sure these lesser-known sights and experiences are on your Iceland itinerary.<\/p>\n

\"Driving-Through-Iceland\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

1) AKUREYRI, NORTH ICELAND<\/h3>\n

Akureyri is Iceland\u2019s second-largest city, but that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s just a mini Reykjavik. Oh no. With snow-covered scenery, a quiet vibe and a safe, peaceful waterfront, Akureyri is its own destination and is definitely worth exploring. It\u2019s also a great \u201chome base\u201d for other North Iceland adventures.<\/p>\n

\"Akureyri,<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Akureyri,<\/strong><\/p>\n

2) AURORA BUBBLE HOTEL<\/h3>\n

Why stay in a fancy Reykjavik hotel when you can stay in a\u2026 wait for it\u2026 plastic bubble? No seriously. The Aurora Bubble Hotel<\/a> is a \u201cbubble bedroom\u201d right off the Golden Circle. It’s clear plastic walls and ceiling make for quite a night of stargazing and \u2013 if you\u2019re lucky \u2013 Northern Lights viewing.<\/p>\n

\"Bubble-Hotel-2\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

3) DIMMUBORGIR LAVA FIELDS<\/h3>\n

Iceland is known for its otherworldly landscapes, and nowhere is this more apparent than Dimmuborgir Lava Fields. You can actually hike through the winding lava-rock formations, and, if you\u2019re up to it, ascend the mighty Hverfjall Crater in the distance.<\/p>\n

\"Dimmuborgir,<\/p>\n

\"Dimmuborgir,<\/p>\n

4) GLJUFRABUI WATERFALL<\/h3>\n

Many experience Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall visitors can hike behind, but few make it past the trail and into the hidden, breathtaking Glj\u00fafrab\u00fai waterfall. Access to Glj\u00fafrab\u00fai is a bit tricky (you have the hike through a stream, so bring extra socks!), but it\u2019s well worth it for this once-in-a-lifetime waterfall view.<\/p>\n

\"Gljufrabul<\/p>\n

Pay Less, Travel More eBook<\/h2>

Subscribe to get our FREE eBook with tips on saving money when you travel!<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/span><\/h6>\n

5) MYVATN NATURE BATHS<\/h3>\n

Remember when I said Blue Lagoon has some competition? Well, ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to one of my favorite hot springs in all of Iceland, Myvatn Nature Baths. Located way up in northern Iceland, Myvatn Nature Baths are much less touristy than the Blue Lagoon. The pools also stay open late, which means you can get some epic sunset and starry night shots \u2026 from the (very warm) water. Hello, heaven.<\/p>\n

\"Myvatn<\/strong><\/p>\n

6) OXARARFOSS WATERFALL<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re visiting Iceland, it\u2019s almost guaranteed you\u2019ll be stopping by Thingvellir National Park. While you should definitely see it once, Thingvellir is one of the most touristy spots in Iceland, so make sure to stop by the lesser-known \u00d6xar\u00e1rfoss Waterfall, located down the road from the main path. This waterfall does draw a crowd (it’s the Golden Circle after all!), but it\u2019s much more subdued than the throngs of tourists strolling through Thingvellir tectonic plates.<\/p>\n

\"Thingvellir<\/p>\n

7) VIOIMYRARKIRKJA CHURCH<\/h3>\n

With a grass roof and gorgeous mountainous backdrop, the V\u00ed\u00f0im\u00fdrarkirkja Church is one to add to your list. It may look hobbit-esque on the outside, but the V\u00ed\u00f0im\u00fdrarkirkja church is more than just a pretty picture — it\u2019s also one of Iceland\u2019s few remaining turf churches.<\/p>\n

\"Vidimyrarkirkja,<\/p>\n

While you should absolutely grab an Instagram shot at the Blue Lagoon (I did!), don\u2019t stop there. Iceland is most captivating in those lesser-known, hard-to-reach places, so strap in, prepare your maps and get ready for the Icelandic adventure of a lifetime!
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Iceland. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Do you want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Please visit our <\/i><\/b>Contribute<\/i><\/b><\/a> page for guidelines and to submit your article.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\n

Pay Less, Travel More<\/h2>

Subscribe to get access to our FREE eBook with tips for saving money when you travel!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/span><\/h6>\n

\n

Read More About Iceland<\/em><\/h4>\n