Hidden Gems Near Golden Circle Iceland You Shouldn’t Miss

The three main Golden Circle stops — Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss — deserve their fame. But the area surrounding the route holds stunning attractions that most tour buses drive right past. Here are seven hidden gems worth adding to your Golden Circle itinerary.

1. Brúarfoss Waterfall

Brúarfoss is often called 'Iceland's Bluest Waterfall,' and the nickname is earned. The glacial water cascading over the rocks has an intense, almost electric blue color unlike any other waterfall in Iceland. Located about 5 kilometers off the main Golden Circle route near Laugarvatn, Brúarfoss requires a moderate 3.5-kilometer hike each way along the Brúará river.

The trail passes through birch woodland and crosses several smaller cascades before reaching the main falls. It's rarely crowded — even in peak summer, you might have the viewpoint to yourself. The hike takes about 45 minutes each way at a comfortable pace.

2. Skálholt Cathedral

For centuries, Skálholt was Iceland's most important seat of power — the country's religious and cultural capital from 1056 until 1785. Today, the reconstructed cathedral stands on the same historic hilltop, surrounded by quiet farmland. A small museum in the basement reveals a medieval sarcophagus discovered during excavations.

Skálholt hosts summer concerts in its excellent acoustics, and the peaceful grounds offer views across the Hvítá river valley. It's located just off Route 35, between Geysir and the return route to Reykjavík, making it an easy detour that adds rich historical context to a nature-focused day.

3. Efstidalur Farm

This working dairy farm near Laugarvatn serves what many consider Iceland's best ice cream — made from the milk of the cows you can watch through a viewing window while you eat. The farm restaurant also offers pizza, burgers, and dairy-based dishes in a cozy, family-friendly setting.

Efstidalur sits between Þingvellir and Geysir, making it a perfect lunch stop. The farm-to-table concept is genuine — everything is produced on-site, and the rural setting provides a window into modern Icelandic farming life that contrasts nicely with the geological drama of the main route.

4. Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths

While the Secret Lagoon gets most of the attention, Laugarvatn Fontana offers a more varied geothermal bathing experience on the shores of Lake Laugarvatn. The facility includes hot pools at different temperatures, a steam room built directly over a natural hot spring, and the option to wade into the lake — refreshing in summer, bracing in winter.

The signature experience is watching (and tasting) rye bread baked underground in the geothermal heat, a tradition dating back centuries. Fontana is less crowded than the Secret Lagoon and has a more modern facility with lake views.

5. Flúðir Village and Gamla Laugin

The small village of Flúðir is famous for its geothermal greenhouses, where mushrooms and vegetables grow year-round using natural hot water. The village has a charming local feel — a far cry from the tourist hotspots — with a bakery, a few restaurants, and the Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin) on its outskirts.

Beyond the lagoon itself, Flúðir offers a glimpse of rural Icelandic life in a geothermally active region. In winter, the steam rising from the greenhouses against the snow creates an almost surreal landscape. Some private Golden Circle tours include a Flúðir greenhouse visit.

6. Sólheimar Eco-Village

Sólheimar is a unique intentional community founded in 1930, dedicated to sustainability and inclusion. Located between Þingvellir and Geysir, the village runs organic greenhouses, a tree nursery, workshops producing candles and ceramics, and an art gallery — all with a focus on employing people with intellectual disabilities.

Visitors can tour the greenhouses, browse the gift shop for handmade crafts, and have lunch at their organic café. It's a heartwarming detour that showcases a different side of Iceland — community-driven, sustainable, and quietly pioneering.

7. Kerið Volcanic Crater

Kerið is technically on the standard Golden Circle route, but many coach tours skip it because of the small entrance fee (ISK 400). That's a shame, because this 3,000-year-old explosion crater is one of the most photogenic stops in the area. The vivid blue-green lake at the bottom contrasts dramatically with the red and black volcanic walls.

A path circles the rim (about 15 minutes), and steep stairs lead down to the water's edge. The acoustics inside the crater are remarkable — the Icelandic opera has performed concerts on a floating stage on the lake. In winter, the lake sometimes freezes, adding another dimension to the colors.

How to Visit These Hidden Gems

Most of these spots require either a self-drive itinerary or a private Golden Circle tour. Standard group tours follow a fixed route and timetable that doesn't allow for detours.

At Golden Circle Day Tours, our private tours are specifically designed to incorporate hidden gems based on your interests — just tell your guide what appeals to you, and they'll build it into the day.

The Golden Circle's main attractions are famous for good reason, but these lesser-known spots add depth, variety, and a sense of discovery to the route. They remind you that Iceland's wonders aren't limited to the postcard views — sometimes the best experiences are just around the next bend.