Geysir and Gullfoss are magnificent natural wonders, which is why thousands of tourists visit them every day. But there are other gems in Iceland, no less significant, that few visit. There you can enjoy nature in peace and quietude. Icelandic Times has picked seven locations that we suggest you should visit this summer––places that offer beautiful unspoiled nature, birdlife, and precious tranquility.
Hesteyri by Hesteyrarfjörður in Jökulfirðir, the northernmost part of the Westfjords, is a village that was abandoned 70 years ago. A unique place, easily accessible by boat from Ísafjörður. There are excellent hiking trails from Hesteyri through the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.
Hrísey in the middle of Eyjafjörður is special, with its beautiful village at the southern end of the island. There are good transport connections to Hrísey with a ferry from Árskógssandur.
Þjórsárdalur in the south is a true natural and historical gem under the world-renowned volcano Hekla, which filled the valley with ash and pumice in a massive eruption in 1104.
Þeistareykir just east of Húsavík, north of Mývatn, is an incredibly colorful area, one of the most beautiful geothermal areas in Iceland.
Flatey on Skjálfandi bay is a delightful and pretty island, where time has stood still. The village remains as it was sixty years ago when all the residents moved to the mainland. Boat trips to Flatey are available from Húsavík.
Stórurð in Borgarfjörður Eystri is a stunning place where good hiking shoes are paramount––there is no driving road to this unique place.
Finally, not to be missed is Rauðinúpur at the westernmost point of Melrakkaslétta plains, as nowhere in Iceland is the midnight sun more striking. If birding floats your boat, gannets, terns, puffins, and snipes decorate the sky on this northernmost peninsula of the country.
Ísland 19/06/2024 : A7R III, A7R IV, RX1R II – FE 2.8/100mm GM, FE 1.4/24mm GM, FE 1.2/50mm GM, 2.0/35mm Z – Photos & text : Páll Stefánsson
