Iceland’s raw beauty, its black-sand beaches, glacier-carved valleys, and steaming geothermal landscapes have made it one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations. But as the country’s popularity has grown, so too have the crowds at its most famous sites. The good news? Iceland still offers vast stretches of wilderness and solitude for travelers who know where (and when) to look. With a little planning, it’s easy to escape the tourist trail and experience the country’s wild, untouched heart.
Here are simple ways to experience Icelandic tours that feel calm, personal, and far from the main tourist trail.
1. Travel in the Shoulder Seasons
Timing is key for vacations in Iceland. The shoulder seasons — April to early June and September to early October — offer the best balance of accessibility and solitude. You’ll still enjoy open roads, long daylight hours, and vibrant scenery, but without the summer rush. Fewer visitors mean more time to linger at waterfalls, photograph volcanic landscapes, and soak in geothermal pools without the crowds.
2. Venture Beyond the South Coast
The Golden Circle and South Coast are Iceland’s most popular routes and for good reason. But if you’re craving quiet, consider heading farther afield.
The Westfjords: Remote, rugged, and breathtakingly empty, this region feels like another world. Drive winding coastal roads to see Dynjandi Waterfall, kayak among seabirds in Ísafjörður, or relax in seaside hot springs like Hellulaug.
The Eastfjords: A land of narrow fjords, colorful fishing villages, and reindeer herds. Hike in Borgarfjörður Eystri, explore Seyðisfjörður’s artistic vibe, or take a detour to the tranquil Hengifoss waterfall.
The Highlands: Accessible only in summer, Iceland’s interior is a volcanic wilderness of rhyolite mountains, lava fields, and hidden hot springs. The Landmannalaugar region, part of the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, is ideal for hiking and backcountry adventure.
These regions are farther from Reykjavik — but that’s exactly why they remain so peaceful.
3. Stay Overnight in Less-Visited Towns
Instead of basing your trip solely around Reykjavik or Vik, consider overnighting in smaller, lesser-known towns. Spend a night in Hólmavík, Egilsstaðir, or Patreksfjörður, where you’ll find cozy guesthouses, local eateries, and authentic Icelandic hospitality. Staying off the main tourist trail not only supports rural communities but also gives you the chance to enjoy Iceland’s landscapes in the soft light of early morning or late evening before the tour buses arrive.
4. Explore by Foot, Kayak, or Horseback
The best way to experience Iceland’s wild places is to slow down. Step off the main road and explore the backcountry trails, glacial lagoons, and coastal fjords that most visitors never see.
Hiking: Trek through the colorful valleys of Þórsmörk, climb to panoramic viewpoints in Skaftafell National Park, or hike along volcanic ridges in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Kayaking: Paddle through iceberg-filled lagoons or along quiet fjords where seabirds soar overhead.
Horseback Riding: Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and famously smooth-gaited. A trail ride across lava fields or black beaches offers a connection to Iceland’s landscape unlike any other.
Jane in Iceland (Jane P)
5. Seek Out Hidden Hot Springs
While the Blue Lagoon and Sky Lagoon are world-famous, Iceland is dotted with hundreds of natural hot springs — many of them wild, free, and blissfully uncrowded. Some local favorites include:
Reykjadalur Hot River, a geothermal stream tucked in the hills above Hveragerði.
Seljavallalaug, one of Iceland’s oldest pools, is nestled between moss-covered mountains.
Hrunalaug, a small, rustic pool surrounded by farmland in the Golden Circle area.
Visiting these spots early in the morning or later in the evening adds even more tranquility.
Jane in Iceland, Lagoon Geothermal Spa (Jane P)
6. Slow Down and Stay Longer
Instead of racing around the island in a few days, focus on one or two regions and explore them deeply. Iceland rewards patience — the longer you stay in a place, the more layers you’ll uncover: a local café, a secret waterfall, or a friendly chat with a fisherman at the harbor.
7. Let the Elements Lead
Iceland’s weather changes quickly, and sometimes the best adventures happen when you follow its lead. A sudden shift in the clouds may reveal a rainbow over a waterfall; a detour down a gravel road might end at a secluded black beach. Traveling flexibly and away from rigid timetables allows you to connect with the rhythm of the land and truly feel Iceland’s untamed spirit.
Experience Iceland Differently
We design trips that go beyond the typical highlights. Our local guides lead travelers to Iceland’s quieter corners — remote fjords, hidden valleys, and geothermal oases — while ensuring comfort, safety, and sustainability. Whether you want to hike across volcanic landscapes, photograph glaciers at dawn, or soak under the northern lights, we’ll help you experience Iceland as few others do: intimately, authentically, and far from the crowds.
Ready to plan your Iceland travel experience? Contact us today to start designing a trip that matches your pace, interests, and sense of adventure.
