Hidden canyons, secret pools, and remote waterfalls in Iceland

Beyond the Golden Circle and the famous waterfalls, Iceland has quieter spots that locals actually rate — hidden canyons, tiny geothermal pools, and remote pools by the sea. Here's where to find them and what to know before you go.

Where can I find hidden canyons near Vík?

Just east of the busy Vík area, Þakgil and Remundargil canyons stay under the radar. Turn left onto gravel Road 214 about 5 km east of Vík, then drive roughly 15 km (about 30 minutes) to reach Þakgil. There's a campsite, small cottages, and a short hike leading to a waterfall with a lagoon — a good half-day detour off the main South Coast route.

What about a secret geothermal pool?

Landbrotalaug, on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, is about as hidden as it gets: a tiny pool behind an abandoned farm, fitting only 2–3 people, with water around 35–40°C. It's roughly 5 minutes up the road from Eldborg, but has no signage, so it takes some effort to find — part of its appeal.

For something similarly under-visited but easier to locate, Krossneslaug sits on the beach at Laugarvík cove in remote Strandir, on the east side of the Westfjords, right against the North Atlantic. It's considered one of the Westfjords' best-kept secrets, with a modest ISK 500 entrance fee.

Are there quieter waterfalls worth seeking out?

Gluggafoss ("window falls") on the south coast draws far fewer visitors than the region's headline falls. A small fee is paid via the Parka app, and a path beside the falls leads to multiple viewpoints for different angles.

In the Westfjords, Dynjandi is a series of waterfalls with a combined height of 100 metres. The access road is gravel with sharp turns and sheer drops with no guardrails, so drive carefully — but walking trails lead right to the base of the largest falls.

What should I know about the Highlands and F-roads?

For real remoteness, Kerlingarfjöll and Hveravellir in the Highlands offer rhyolite mountains, hot springs, fumaroles, and a natural bathing lagoon — but they're reachable only via F-roads requiring a 4x4. Þórsmörk, a preserve with three glacier volcanoes, also demands a specialized vehicle and skill for unpredictable river crossings; a guided trip with an experienced operator is recommended.

F-roads (plus three look-alikes: Kaldidalur/Road 550, Kjölur/Road 35, and Jökulhálsleið/Road 570) require a large 4x4 marked "suitable for F-roads" by the rental company — driving an unsuitable 2WD breaches Icelandic traffic law and voids insurance coverage. Most F-roads open only in June once snow melts, with dates published annually by the Icelandic Road Administration; check current conditions by calling 1777.

Flatey island, reached by Baldur Ferry from Stykkishólmur, is another quiet escape — 2 km by 1 km, one hotel, a historic church, abundant birdlife including puffins, and almost no vehicles (one car, about a dozen tractors). Ferry stops allow a 6.5-hour visit.

FAQ

Do I need a 4x4 for these off-the-beaten-path spots? Only for the Highlands (Kerlingarfjöll, Hveravellir, Þórsmörk) and F-roads/equivalent routes — the canyons, pools, and waterfalls elsewhere don't require one per these facts.

Is Landbrotalaug marked on maps or signed? No — it has no signs and is genuinely difficult to find, which is part of what keeps it off the beaten path.

How long can I spend on Flatey island? The ferry schedule allows a 6.5-hour stop.

Sources

• Þakgil and Remundargil Canyons - 2 magical Hidden Gems in ...
• https://www.campingiceland.com/snaefellsnes-peninsula-attractions-off-beaten-path-1
• https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/regina/hot-pools-in-the-westfjords-of-iceland
• https://anowliniceland.com/winter-wonders-exploring-icelands-hidden-beauty/
• https://calgarysun.com/travel/exploring-icelands-spectacularly-treeless-landscapes
• https://www.bluecarrental.is/blog/avoid-the-crowds-in-iceland-discover-hidden-gems-with-blue-rental-car/
• https://www.lotuscarrental.is/gb/blog/how-to-drive-on-f-roads-in-iceland