There’s no denying it — places like Skógafoss, the Blue Lagoon, and the Golden Circle are incredibly popular for good reason. They’re beautiful, iconic, and convenient to access. But if you’re planning a trip to Iceland and hoping to get off the beaten path, there’s a wilder, quieter side of the country waiting to be discovered.
At Ice Guardians, we spend our days exploring the raw, remote landscapes around Vatnajökull Glacier on our Iceland adventure activities. Over the years, we’ve found that some of the best memories come from those lesser-known places that don’t always make the front page of the guidebooks.
So, if you’ve got your own vehicle, a taste for adventure, and a healthy sense of curiosity, here are some of the best underrated things to do in Iceland. If you have any questions for us at any point, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Kvernufoss – Skógafoss’s Quiet Sister
When most people pull up at the signs for Skógafoss, they charge straight for this famous waterfall. And that’s fair enough, it’s spectacular! But just a short walk away, tucked behind the Skógar Museum, is Kvernufoss, a peaceful waterfall hidden in a mossy gorge.
A gentle hike takes you through a narrow canyon that opens up to reveal the falls. You can even walk behind the cascade, much like Seljalandsfoss, only without the crowds jostling for the perfect selfie. Go early or just before dusk, and you may even have the place to yourself — just you, the mist, and the sound of crashing water.
Kolugljúfur – Canyon of Troll Legends
Head northwest, and you’ll find Kolugljúfur, a dramatic gorge carved out by the Víðidalsá River. According to legend, this canyon was home to a troll woman named Kola — hence the name — and it’s easy to imagine giants roaming the cliffs here.
The waterfall, Kolufoss, thunders through the narrow chasm, flanked by steep rock walls and mossy outcrops. There’s something raw and untouched about this place, especially when the light hits the canyon in the early morning or late afternoon.
If you’re road-tripping the Ring Road, this makes a fantastic scenic detour. And don’t miss our Guide to Iceland’s Ring Road before you set off!
The last few miles of the track to Kolugljúfur are a little bumpy, but not too rough. When you arrive, it’s a short walk to the jaw-dropping lookout areas and the bridge which provides the perfect view of the stunning canyon below.
Ingjaldshólskirkja – Peace and Postcard-Perfect Views
Over on the wild expanse of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland, you’ll spot a small white church with a red roof perched dramatically against a backdrop of lava fields and snow-covered peaks (depending on the season!). This is Ingjaldshólskirkja, the oldest concrete church in Iceland, built in 1903.
Its cinematic simplicity is its charm — clean lines, stark contrasts, and total quiet. You won’t find tour buses here, just a gravel road, seabirds in the distance, and perhaps a curious sheep or two. It’s one of those underrated Iceland activities that doesn’t ask for much but gives you everything: space, stillness, and a view you won’t forget.
As you plan your trip, you naturally want as many local insights as possible. So be sure to read our top five travel tips for Iceland after this.
Fjallsárlón – Glacier Serenity Near Vatnajökull
Everyone knows about Jökulsárlón — and yes, it’s stunning — but Fjallsárlón is its calmer, more intimate cousin. Located just a few minutes down the road, this glacial lagoon sits at the southern end of Vatnajökull and is often overlooked by most visitors.
Here, icebergs of vivid blue and white float gracefully on glacial water, with the towering ice cap looming in the distance. It’s peaceful, otherworldly, and often pleasantly quiet. We might be biased — it’s right in our backyard — but we think Fjallsárlón is one of the best underrated things to do in Iceland.
Explore even more in this corner of our country with our choices for the five must-sees in southeast Iceland.
Þakgil – A Hidden Canyon Wonderland
Drive northeast of Vík, and if you’re willing to follow a bumpy gravel road into the mountains, you’ll find Þakgil, a secluded green canyon framed by black cliffs and dripping with Icelandic atmosphere.
In summer, it’s a favourite among locals for camping and hiking. In fact, the campground is regarded as one of the best in the country! There’s even a small cave with tables and a grill where you can cook dinner surrounded by basalt walls. The trails here weave through lava fields, past hidden waterfalls, and into absolute silence. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, allowing you to truly disconnect.
Sigöldugljúfur – The Valley of Hidden Waterfalls
Located in Iceland’s interior highlands, Sigöldugljúfur looks like something straight out of a fantasy film. A winding turuoise river cuts through a moss-covered canyon, and dozens of small waterfalls spill from the cliffs like silver threads.
You’ll need a 4×4 and some patience to reach it — it’s off Route F208 near Landmannalaugar — but the reward is a landscape that feels untouched and surreal. If you’re after underrated Iceland activities that really make you feel like an explorer, this one is a standout.
Klifbrekkufoss – Stairway of Iceland’s East Fjords
Deep in the Eastfjords, hidden in the remote fjord of Mjóifjörður, you’ll find Klifbrekkufoss. This multi-tiered waterfall cascades down a lush green mountainside like a staircase made of water.
The drive into Mjóifjörður is half the adventure — it’s narrow, winding, and only accessible in summer.
But once you’re there, it’s like stepping into a forgotten corner of Iceland. With barely any traffic and views in every direction, it’s perfect for those looking to leave everyday life behind, for a while, at least.
Looking for more local recommendations in this part of our country? Be sure to read our picks for the best things to do on Iceland’s East Fjords when you have finished here.
Háifoss – One of Iceland’s Highest Waterfalls
For our final pick, we head to south-central Iceland for Háifoss, one of our country’s tallest waterfalls at 122 metres. It plunges into a deep canyon surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery, and the viewpoint above offers a panorama that feels both vast and intimate.
The road to Háifoss can be rough, so a 4×4 is recommended, but the payoff is more than worth it. Nearby, you can also check out Gjáin, a lush valley full of springs, streams, and miniature falls. This duo is one of our favourite underrated things to do in Iceland for a quieter day out.
Are you looking to combine your underrated Iceland activities with some of our country’s more famous experiences? Check out our blog Which Iceland Tours Should Tourists Take? next.
Embrace Iceland Adventure Activities Along with Its Hidden Gems
We hope you’ve found these picks for underrated things to do in Iceland inspirational! Now let’s start planning the rest of your time in the Land of Fire and Ice! Browse our range of Iceland adventure activities to find out more about the thrilling experiences waiting for you here.
Do you have any pre-booking questions? Please just contact us for the answers you need.
