As the landed estate of fire , ice , Northern Lights , and bum flights , it ’s no wonder Iceland has become one of the public ’s most popular name and address . From 2000 to 2014 , the number of strange visitor has more than tripled , grant to the Icelandic Tourist Board [ PDF ] .
Unfortunately , a good helping of those visitor do n’t make it alfresco of Iceland ’s famed Golden Circle , which means they omit out on some of the most memorable experiences the country has on offer . design a trip to Iceland ? Consider construct clip for some of these somewhat - off - the - beaten - way adventures .
1. FLOAT NEXT TO A GEYSER AT THE SECRET LAGOON.
Stephanie Vermillion
For a no - frills , authentic hot spring experience , make a stop at the century - oldSecret Lagoon , Iceland ’s oldest swim kitty ( it open up in 1891 and start offering swimming lessons in 1909 ) . The Secret Lagoon is turn up right off the Golden Circle in Fludir , atop active geothermal grounds that naturally ignite the water year - pear-shaped . Adding to its solicitation : It has an alive geyser on the assumption , which ( safely ) erupt every five minutes .
2. LEARN ABOUT ICELAND’S “HIDDEN PEOPLE” AT THE ELFSCHOOL.
Elf house , Jennifer Boyer , Flickr//CC BY - ND 2.0
Elves , gnomes , midget , trolls , fairies , and otherhuldufólk(“hidden people " ) have long captured the imagination of Icelanders . ( According to one 1998 survey,54 percentage of Icelanders believein the existence of invisible elves . ) If you ’re looking to get up tightlipped and personal with the charming creatures — or at least hear the stories of those who have — check outTheElfschoolin Reykjavik . Open year - round , the school hosts jaw and treatment about people who have come in contact with elves . you’re able to opt to end your visit to the school with a private walking tour to one of the land ’s most pop " elf sighting " spots , located next to the school .
3. EXPLORE THE DIMMUBORGIR LAVA FIELD.
Dimmuborgir , settle in northern Iceland , is anenormous lava fieldfilled with nonnatural rock formation and volcanic cave . The site hasnumerous hike trails , including routes leading up to the predominate Hverjfall Crater , and might look familiar toGame of Thronesfans — it serve as one of the mainwildling camping area .
4. HIKE TO GLJÚFRABÚI, THE SECRET WATERFALL.
Southern Iceland is home to some of the country ’s most beautiful waterfall , include the mighty Skógafoss , Seljalandsfoss , where you may hike behind the falls , and a concealed waterfall few traveler know to seek out — Gljúfrabúi . Just a five - moment walk from Seljalandsfoss , Gljúfrabúi istucked awaybehind mountains , accessible only through a small orifice in the rock ‘n’ roll formation . You may get crocked on your wage hike there — you have to cross a stream — but that temporary discomfort is well worth the veneration - inspiring , hugger-mugger spectacle that wait you on the other side .
5. LEARN ABOUT OLD ICELAND AT THE GLAUMBAER MUSEUM.
For hundreds of age , Icelanders live in grass - roof “ sod houses , ” plan to insulate against the country ’s harsh wintertime . Today , traveler can gossip these traditional Icelandic menage at north Iceland’sGlaumbaer Museum , located right along the Ring Road . Depending on how much prison term you have , Glaumbaer can be a short ( free ! ) photo stop in - between destinations , or a full - botch up prima donna into a opus of Iceland ’s architectural history .
6. SNORKEL BETWEEN TECTONIC PLATES.
xenocrates , Flickr//CC BY 2.0
Sure , you canhikebetween the Eurasian and North - American tectonic plate atThingvellir National Park . But for a truly unusual experience , opt to snorkel through them . Guided tours take divers into theSilfra fissure , a navigable , subaquatic crack where the two tectonic plate are drifting apart at a pace of two cm per yr . You wo n’t witness ocean life sentence on this snorkel despatch , but get your waterproof cameras quick for some of the most vivacious shades of blue you ’ve ever seen .
7. GO INSIDE A VOLCANO.
Darren Mercer , Flickr//CC BY - ND 2.0
Geology swot , take note : One tour ship’s company has really made it potential for traveller to go inside the ( dormant)Thrihnukagigur vent . visitor are lowered through the crater opening in a basket - same elevator , and are given around 30 second to explore the volcano story . The tour acquire five to six hr amount , include travel to and from Thrihnukagigur .
8. VISIT GRÍMSEY ISLAND IN THE ARCTIC CIRCLE.
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For one of the most removed Icelandic experience possible , see taking the three - hour boat drive toGrímsey Island . The only part of Iceland located inside the Arctic Circle , Grímsey Island is just over three hearty mile and home to few than 100 residents . But what it lacks in size of it , it more than makes up for in opportunity for adventure . you’re able to hike up , bike , dive , fish , swim , and , if timed right , consider puffin and the Northern Lights .
