{"id":4964,"date":"2025-07-28T22:04:59","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T22:04:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehillhotel.is\/?p=4964"},"modified":"2025-07-28T22:06:10","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T22:06:10","slug":"beat-the-crowds-11-hidden-gems-near-the-golden-circle-in-iceland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehillhotel.is\/is\/beat-the-crowds-11-hidden-gems-near-the-golden-circle-in-iceland\/","title":{"rendered":"Beat the Crowds: 11 Hidden Gems Near the Golden Circle in Iceland"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s a reason the Golden Circle<\/a> draws the crowds. It\u2019s easy to access, packed with big-ticket natural sights, and if I’m honest, it can easily be ticked off in a day.<\/p>\n

But if your idea of travel leans more towards discovery than dodging elbows at the main photo ops, this is where the adventure really starts.<\/p>\n

Beyond the familiar loop lies a quieter, wilder side of Iceland. One where hidden geothermal pools steam quietly in the hills. Where waterfalls don\u2019t have viewing platforms. And where you can still hear your own footsteps crunching through volcanic gravel (not the moss, remember!)<\/p>\n

This guide isn\u2019t me simply telling you to skip the highlights. Instead, it\u2019s about elevating them with something more unexpected, to allow you to get more out of this spectacular region than what the tourism companies will show you (probably because they want to get home).<\/p>\n

Discovering Iceland\u2019s Lesser-Known Natural Wonders<\/h3>\n

You\u2019ve heard of Geysir<\/a>, Gullfoss<\/a>, and \u00deingvellir<\/a>. They\u2019re the tourist trifecta of the Golden Circle. And for good reason, they\u2019re dramatic, powerful, and very much the stars of the Icelands Instagram world.<\/p>\n

But here\u2019s the thing.<\/p>\n

If I’m honest with you, in peak summer, they can feel more like a theme park queue than a brush with Icelandic nature. The real magic often lies just off the main loop, in quiet valleys, secret waterfalls, and locals-only hot springs. These are the places where you might share the view with a cheeky bleaty sheep instead of a coachload of tourists.<\/p>\n

1. Br\u00faarfoss: The Hidden Blue Waterfall<\/h2>\n

\"Bruarfoss<\/p>\n

If the sky melted into a river, it would probably look like Br\u00faarfoss<\/a>. This electric blue waterfall has the kind of colour that makes you question whether your eyes are lying or if someone slipped a filter over reality.<\/p>\n

Hidden behind an unassuming turnoff between Laugarvatn and Geysir, Br\u00faarfoss doesn\u2019t hand itself over easily (it’s basically a small car park by a short bridge). You\u2019ll need to commit to a short but sometimes muddy hike that includes a few stream crossings and the occasional enigmatic Icelandic Horse encounter<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But when you reach the footbridge and see that vibrant glacial meltwater pouring through ancient lava, you\u2019ll forget every squelchy step.<\/p>\n

There are no barriers or queues. And, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, I recommend crossing the bridge and clambering down a few stones to get much closer to the water. Be careful not to slip mind, as these waters make look shallow, but they’re very strong currents so always approach with caution.<\/p>\n

And, yes, like all Icelandic waterfalls, please try to make sure you don’t spoil it’s appetite by feeding your drone to it.<\/p>\n

2. Hrunalaug: A Rustic Hot Spring With a View<\/h2>\n
\"Hrunalaug
Photo Credit: Christian Bickel via Wikimedia C.C.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hrunalaug<\/a> is what the Blue Lagoon would be if it went back to its roots and ditched the influencer crowd. A handful of ancient stone-walled pools, a delightfully questionable hut that probably predates your Airbnb account, and absolutely no tiled walkways or mood lighting.<\/p>\n

This rustic hot spring is nestled in a grassy hollow just outside the village of Fl\u00fa\u00f0ir, making it the ultimate geothermal detour for guests staying at The Hill Hotel.<\/p>\n

The water is toasty, the air is fresh, and the only soundtrack is birdsong and the occasional splash of someone braving the cool side-pool (usually).<\/p>\n

Early morning visits bring misty calm and golden light. Evenings are for soaking under pink skies with the distant nei’s <\/em>(I assumed Icelandic Horses had simply identified the word no in Iceland)\u00a0of Icelandic horses adding a soundtrack of disapproval to your fashion choices.<\/p>\n

There are no lockers. No wristbands. Just you, the water, and a rare kind of Icelandic peace that feels like you\u2019ve borrowed someone\u2019s secret place.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not luxury, but you came to Iceland so that’s kind of the point.<\/p>\n

3. Sk\u00e1lholt: Iceland\u2019s Spiritual Heart<\/h2>\n
\"Skalholt
Photo Credit: Leon petrosyan via Wikimedia C.C.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sk\u00e1lholt<\/a> might not have geysers or waterfalls, but it has stories. Big ones (especially if you love church).<\/p>\n

This was once the cultural and religious capital of Iceland. The kind of place where bishops held power, ancient manuscripts were written, and big decisions were made under candlelight in thick woollen robes (not Hogwarts).<\/p>\n

Wander the grounds and you\u2019ll find layers of history tucked into every stone. There\u2019s a museum underneath the modern church, where relics and bones remind you just how deep the roots go from our once Viking past.<\/p>\n

The church itself is striking in its simplicity. No gold leaf or stained glass excess. Just clean lines, soft acoustics, and an atmosphere that practically demands hushed tones.<\/p>\n

If you time it right, you might catch the organist rehearsing, filling the space with the kind of music that makes you wonder if you accidentally wandered into a Nordic period drama.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a peaceful pitstop and a lovely reset between geothermal dips and waterfall hikes. Stay a while. Maybe even light a candle. The trolls won\u2019t judge you for it (no matter what religion they might be).<\/p>\n

4. Gj\u00e1in: A Fairy-Tale Canyon in the Highlands<\/h2>\n
\"Gj\u00e1in
Photo Credit: Ilya Grigorik via Wikimedia C.C.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Imagine someone let a Studio Ghibli animator loose in Iceland with a crate of moss and a soft spot for tiny waterfalls (maybe several lagers, also). The result would be Gj\u00e1in<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This tucked-away canyon in \u00dej\u00f3rs\u00e1rdalur Valley is a scene straight out of a Tolkien-esq<\/em> novel that never got published because it was too wholesome (maybe a dodgy editor as well).<\/p>\n

Water trickles gently over velvet-green stones. Delicate wildflowers line the paths as if hand-placed by elves with a degree in aesthetic landscaping. And ancient lava formations twist and rise like the ruins of some forgotten troll kingdom.<\/p>\n

There are footbridges, secret nooks, and picnic spots that make you forget the concept of time (maybe not Hawking, but everyone else, yes). All of it wrapped in a silence so pure, even your inner monologue whispers.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a little out of the way, sure. But that\u2019s half the charm. Especially if you want to swap crowds for magic and feel like a Hobbit on a proper, moss-covered sabbatical.<\/p>\n

5. \u00dej\u00f3rs\u00e1rdalur Valley: Waterfalls, Forests, and Viking Ruins<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Speaking of the valley, \u00dej\u00f3rs\u00e1rdalur<\/a> is the unsung hero of South Iceland<\/a>. It has the drama without the drama queens. A rugged landscape shaped by volcanic eruptions and softened by green pockets of birch and pine that actually count as forests by Icelandic standards.<\/p>\n

Here, you\u2019ll find Hj\u00e1lparfoss<\/a> crashing over basalt columns as waterfalls in Iceland tend to do. And just up the road, a full-scale reconstruction of a Viking-era farmstead at St\u00f6ng that has yet to be shot in a film or TV show to my recollection (and subsequent Google search).<\/p>\n

There are hiking trails that zigzag through lava fields, picnic spots that feel like nature\u2019s own lounges, and viewpoints so empty you\u2019ll start questioning where all the other tourists went which is always a result<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Unlike the polished, selfie-heavy Golden Circle stops, \u00dej\u00f3rs\u00e1rdalur feels untouched, unfiltered, and slightly feral in the best possible way.<\/p>\n

Pack a lunch. Charge your camera. And keep an eye out for local trolls offering real estate deals (Icelanders tend to think they look like rocks<\/em>). This valley has a way of making you want to stay longer than planned.<\/p>\n

6. Secret Lagoon: Soak in History Without the Crowds<\/h2>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Secret Lagoon<\/a> isn\u2019t that secret anymore. But it still feels refreshingly unpretentious compared to some of Iceland\u2019s other geothermal hot spots.<\/p>\n

No glossy ticket counters. No LED-lit cave saunas. Just naturally warm water, drifting steam, and a backdrop of bubbling geothermal activity that hums away like an old kettle on the boil.<\/p>\n

Built in 1891, this is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland, and it hasn\u2019t forgotten its roots. The water is fed directly from a nearby hot spring, meaning it stays consistently steamy with zero chemical nonsense. Tiny geysers pop and hiss around the edge, and as a guest of the Hill Hotel you’ll be entitled to a 15% discount, just because.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s especially magical in the evening, when the light fades, the steam thickens, and the entire pool feels like a cosy cauldron under the open sky, where in winter you can often see the Northern Lights<\/a>.<\/p>\n

And the cherry on top? It\u2019s a two-minute drive from The Hill Hotel<\/a>, making it the ultimate low-effort, high-reward way to end your day (low<\/em> effort goes well with a beer with the dip). Slippers optional. Satisfaction guaranteed.<\/p>\n

7. Keri\u00f0 Crater: Colourful, Quiet, and Perfect for a Quick Stop<\/h2>\n

\"Keri\u00f0<\/p>\n

Keri\u00f0<\/a> looks like a volcano that someone filled with Kool-Aid (fortunately, no one has drunk from it yet). It\u2019s got that surreal, cartoon-level contrast of fire-red slopes and a blue-green lake that disguises itself with thick layers of ice in the winter (and, yes, you can walk and skate on it).<\/p>\n

The crater is roughly 3,000 years old and honestly doesn\u2019t look a day over 2,000. Once the site of explosive volcanic drama, it now rests quietly as one of the prettiest geological leftovers you\u2019ll stumble across.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s right on the route between Selfoss and Laugarvatn, which means it\u2019s incredibly easy to visit without derailing your plans. You can take a twenty-minute stroll around the rim or descend the stairs for a close-up look (and an unbeatable photo op if you\u2019ve remembered your wide-angle lens or even a selfie stick…if they are still a thing?)<\/p>\n

It rarely gets overcrowded, especially if you arrive early or during dinner hours when everyone else is chasing burgers or waterfalls.<\/p>\n

Not a bad picnic spot if you like your sandwiches served with a side of colourful volcanic drama and zero competition for the view.<\/p>\n

8. Faxi Waterfall: Gullfoss\u2019s Quiet Cousin<\/h2>\n
\"Faxi
Photo Credit: Abderrahman Ait Ali via Wikimedia C.C.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Everyone knows Gullfoss. It\u2019s big, it\u2019s bold, and it\u2019s got more visitors than a free buffet in Reykjav\u00edk (ok, almost<\/em>).<\/p>\n

But have you met Faxi<\/a>?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s smaller. Less powerful. But infinitely more enjoyable, in my opinion, given how little is known about it.<\/p>\n

This wide, gentle cascade flows over smooth rocks in a tranquil setting that feels like someone hit the pause button on Iceland.<\/p>\n

You can park just steps from the waterfall, which is ideal if you\u2019re the sort of person who likes your natural wonder stops with minimal cardio effort. There\u2019s a salmon ladder here too, where you can watch Iceland\u2019s most determined fish making the ultimate leap of faith (sadly it’s not a good idea to bring a plate, but get some in our restaurant in the evening<\/a> for sure).<\/p>\n

And if you time it right, the nearby riverside restaurant sends out smells so good you\u2019ll seriously consider abandoning your plans to just eat and stare at water for the rest of the day.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s an ideal photo stop, snack break, or quiet moment between other major attractions and activities in the Golden Circle region.<\/p>\n

Faxi doesn\u2019t need to shout to impress. It just flows (it did take me a while to develop this pun so please enjoy it).<\/p>\n

9. Fri\u00f0heimar Greenhouse Caf\u00e9: Hidden Tomato Toast and Local Charm<\/h2>\n

\"Fr\u00ed\u00f0heimar<\/p>\n

No queues. No megaphones. Just coffee, tomato toast, soup, coffee, ice-cream, chutney..you get the idea it’s tomato heaven.<\/p>\n

Fr\u00ed\u00f0heimar<\/a> is a humble geothermal greenhouse with a caf\u00e9 and restaurant in Reykholt, where the tomatoes are grown within arm\u2019s reach of your plate and the staff know exactly how strong you like your coffee.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think while munching on something fresh and warm. The seating is simple, the atmosphere is calm, and the it’s a wonderful and cosy interior in winter, and refreshing to sit outside in summer.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s owned and run by locals who genuinely seem to love what they do, and the food has that wonderful homemade feel that makes you forget about menus entirely.<\/p>\n

A perfect stop to refuel your stomach and reset your pace.<\/p>\n

You didn\u2019t hear it from me. (But you should definitely go.)<\/p>\n

10. Urri\u00f0afoss: Iceland\u2019s Overlooked Powerhouse<\/h2>\n
\"Urri\u00f0afoss
Photo Credit: Guillaume Baviere via Wikimedia C.C.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Urri\u00f0afoss<\/a> doesn\u2019t make the glossy postcards. And that\u2019s exactly why you should go.<\/p>\n

Often overshadowed by its louder cousins, this low-slung giant is one of the most voluminous waterfalls in all of Iceland. It doesn\u2019t roar as much as it rumbles, a constant, thunderous rush of glacial meltwater that pours over wide basalt ledges in a dramatic, horizontal curtain.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the kind of place that humbles you quietly. No crowds. No entry fees. Just raw power and a viewing platform that lets you feel it in your bones (and ring in your ears, which goes without saying).<\/p>\n

On a clear day, the surrounding countryside rolls out like a green quilt, with distant volcanoes lounging on the horizon like they\u2019ve got nowhere to be.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the perfect spot to stretch your legs, shoot some moody waterfall snaps without the need to Photoshop others out later, or just stare into the spray and contemplate the meaning of life (or at least what\u2019s for dinner).<\/p>\n

Best of all? It\u2019s an easy detour from the Ring Road and less than an hour from The Hill Hotel.<\/p>\n

Big energy. Zero chaos. Highly recommended.<\/p>\n

11. Laugarvatn Fontana: Geothermal Spa Without the Hype<\/h2>\n

\"Fontana<\/p>\n

It\u2019s like the Blue Lagoon had a more relaxed younger cousin who chose to listen to vinyl and make their own sourdough. Fontana<\/a> sits peacefully on the edge of Lake Laugarvatn, offering steamy relaxation with none of the chaos.<\/p>\n

Its hot pools are fed by natural springs, and one of its most endearing features is the steambath, built directly above a bubbling geothermal vent like a hot spring-themed speakeasy.<\/p>\n

Also worth noting, you can charge straight into the cold lake from the edge if you’re feeling heroic (or competitive). Or you can do the far more sensible thing and stay in the warmth, watching brave souls leap in while you sip coffee with your towel still firmly on.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s calm, clean, and carries just the right amount of Icelandic quirk to make it memorable without trying too hard. You come out feeling like you\u2019ve done something good for your soul, without needing to share it on Instagram, Facebook, or whichever platform is your social poison, to prove it.<\/p>\n

Self-Drive Tips From Reykjav\u00edk or Fl\u00fa\u00f0ir<\/h2>\n

Start early. Bring snacks. Download offline maps. That rhymes, I’m proud, so say it aloud (and write it down).<\/p>\n

The roads around the Golden Circle are well-paved and easy to navigate. Even gravel sections to places like Br\u00faarfoss or Gj\u00e1in are manageable with a small car in summer.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re staying at The Hill Hotel, our team can help you plan the perfect day trip. Ask at reception for routes, weather updates, or the best routes to take.<\/p>\n

How to Plan an Unforgettable Detour<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t try to cram all eleven into one day. Pick three or four based on how you\u2019re feeling. Hot spring kind of day? Do Hrunalaug, Secret Lagoon, and Fontana.<\/p>\n

Waterfall chaser? Faxi, Br\u00faarfoss, and \u00dej\u00f3rs\u00e1rdalur have you covered.<\/p>\n

And if you want to do it right, base yourself at The Hill Hotel in Fl\u00fa\u00f0ir, in case I haven’t said that enough.<\/p>\n

Why The Hill Hotel in Fl\u00fa\u00f0ir Is the Ideal Base<\/h3>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

I’m not saying it\u2019s the best boutique hotel in the Golden Circle, but I’d personally argue, it’s in the top one. All quirks aside, it’s a great place to rest and treat yourself to something more luxurious without the price tag, and in the midst of some of the best attractions in the country, so you really\u00a0 can’t go wrong.<\/p>\n

The Hill Hotel offers the kind of peaceful, geothermal-adjacent, low-key luxury that tired legs dream of.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a two-minute drive from the Secret Lagoon. Ten minutes from Hrunalaug. Thirty from Gullfoss.<\/p>\n

The restaurant serves food that actually tastes like food. The coffee is strong. And the terrace is made for watching sunsets<\/a> or auroras<\/a> with a glass of something local.<\/p>\n

Just peace, space, and a very good night\u2019s sleep.<\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n

The Golden Circle is famous for a reason. But the soul of Iceland lives in its quieter corners.<\/p>\n

The mossy valleys. The steaming rivers. And, the tomato-obsessed greenhouse attractions.<\/p>\n

Base yourself somewhere that makes room for those slower moments. Book your stay at The Hill Hotel<\/a> and find the Iceland you didn\u2019t know you needed.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s a reason the Golden Circle draws the crowds. It\u2019s easy to access, packed with big-ticket natural sights, and if I’m honest, it can easily be ticked off in a day. But if your idea of travel leans more towards discovery than dodging elbows at the main photo ops, this is where the adventure really […]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4967,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4964","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adventure"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n11 Hidden Gems Near the Golden Circle in Iceland<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Check out our latest guide to the 11 hidden gems near the Golden Circle in Iceland. Explore spots mosts tourists miss. 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