6 Golden Circle Hidden Gems Most Visitors Miss

6 Hidden Gems on Iceland's Golden Circle

The Golden Circle’s three headline sights can easily fill a day. However, travellers with a car, a flexible itinerary or a second visit can add a few lesser-known Golden Circle stops without turning the route into a completely different trip.

Brúarfoss

Brúarfoss is a compact waterfall known for the vivid blue colour often seen in its water. It offers a very different scale from Gullfoss: rather than a vast, powerful cascade, it is a more intimate natural stop that rewards those looking for a quieter waterfall experience. It is a popular detour despite its “hidden gem” reputation, so check current access information and allow enough time for the visit rather than treating it as a roadside photo stop.

Faxi, or Faxafoss

Faxi is a broad waterfall on the Tungufljót River, not far from the main Golden Circle route. It is less dramatic than Gullfoss, but that is precisely the appeal: the setting feels calmer and makes an easy contrast with the day’s larger landmarks. It can work particularly well as a brief pause between Geysir and other stops. Check current visitor information before setting out, especially if you are travelling outside the main summer period.

Kerið Crater

Kerið is one of the most recognisable extra stops on the Golden Circle, yet it is often skipped by travellers who only follow the basic route. Its red volcanic slopes and crater lake bring a striking change of scenery after waterfalls and geothermal fields. For a more activity-led perspective, explore guided volcano experiences in Iceland. It is an especially sensible addition if you want a clearly defined stop without making a major detour. Access arrangements may change, so confirm the current visiting conditions before you go.

Laugarvatn and Laugarvatnshellir

Laugarvatn is a useful place to slow the pace between Þingvellir and Geysir. The lakeside village provides a quieter counterpoint to the classic sightseeing stops, while Laugarvatnshellir adds a small historical curiosity to the area. This is not a grand natural attraction on the scale of the national park or Gullfoss; it is a more local-feeling stop for travellers who enjoy adding context and variety to a self-drive day. Verify opening and access details for the cave separately before relying on a visit.

Þórufoss

Near the Þingvellir area, Þórufoss is another waterfall that can make the route feel less predictable. Its appeal lies in the river gorge setting and in seeing a waterfall away from the busiest Golden Circle viewpoints. It is best considered an optional detour, not a reason to rush through Þingvellir. Road and site conditions can vary, so check the latest information and decide whether it fits comfortably into your day.

Friðheimar

Friðheimar is a greenhouse-based stop that adds a food-focused experience to a day otherwise dominated by landscapes. For many visitors, it is an appealing way to break up the drive and experience a different side of rural Iceland. It is not an alternative to the Golden Circle’s natural landmarks, but it can be a memorable addition for travellers who want more than viewpoints. Check current visiting, dining and reservation arrangements directly before planning your timing around it.

How to Visit the Golden Circle's Hidden Gems

A self-drive itinerary gives you the most freedom to add these detours, linger at the places that interest you and skip those that do not. The trade-off is that you need to manage the day’s timing yourself and keep an eye on current road and weather conditions.

Some organised Golden Circle excursions include Kerið Crater or another additional stop, while others follow a more classic itinerary. Always read the listed itinerary carefully: an extra stop should only be expected when it is explicitly named. The available options below are a practical place to look for itineraries combining the Golden Circle with Kerið or another stated experience.

If your priority is a classic guided day trip, or you want to compare departure formats and itineraries more broadly, compare the best Golden Circle tours in Iceland.

Golden Circle Hidden Gems or the Classic Route?

For a first visit with limited time, keep Þingvellir, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss at the centre of the day. They are the route’s major sights for good reason, and trying to fit every detour into a short itinerary can make the experience feel rushed.

The lesser-known Golden Circle stops become more appealing when you have extra time, are driving yourself or have already seen the classic route. In that case, choose one or two additions rather than attempting all six. A waterfall such as Brúarfoss or Þórufoss pairs naturally with the main sights, while Kerið offers a volcanic contrast and Friðheimar changes the rhythm of the day altogether.

How to Plan a Golden Circle Hidden Gems Route

Start by deciding what kind of extra stop you want. Choose Kerið if you want a distinctive geological site; Brúarfoss, Faxi or Þórufoss if a quieter waterfall is the priority; Laugarvatn if you would prefer a gentler break; and Friðheimar if a food-oriented stop appeals more than another viewpoint.

Do not build a tight plan around places with variable access or opening arrangements. Icelandic weather, road conditions and local restrictions can affect a self-drive day, particularly beyond the main route. Before leaving, check the conditions relevant to your route as well as the latest visitor information for any stop requiring timed access, a reservation or a detour.

On a guided trip, focus on the stated itinerary rather than assuming that a nearby hidden gem will be included. A tour that names Kerið, for example, may be a good fit if that is the extra stop you most want to see; a standard itinerary can still be the better choice if you mainly want an uncomplicated introduction to the Golden Circle.