5 Overlooked Activities to Experience in Iceland

Iceland, a remote and rugged island in the North Atlantic, has become a popular destination for travelers despite its small population of under 400,000. While many highlight certain must-see sights on social media, the stunning landscapes of this land of fire and ice offer much more than just the well-known waterfalls and beaches.

For those eager to venture off the beaten path, here are five lesser-known activities to inspire your journey.

1. Explore the Westfjords Way

Taking a road trip is one of the best ways to fully enjoy your time in Iceland, especially by utilizing Icelandair’s free stopover program, which allows travelers to stay for up to a week. While many rush around the Ring Road to see every corner of the country, there’s a more enriching way to experience Iceland’s culture and scenery: the Westfjords Way.

This region of northwestern Iceland boasts some of the nation’s most picturesque mountains, cliffs teeming with puffins during spring and summer, and charming small towns. Embarking on the nearly 600-mile loop around the Westfjords offers travelers a chance to immerse themselves in the oldest geological area of Iceland and its inhabitants: In Bíldudalur, the owner of Vegamót claims to serve the finest fish and chips in the world, while the Westfjords Heritage Museum in Ísafjörður, the area’s largest town, surprises visitors with its unexpectedly extensive collection of accordions.

Each fjord has a unique story to tell for those who venture into northwestern Iceland, and since many pass it by to visit the top attractions on the Ring Road, you’ll often find yourself away from the crowds.

2. Savor Icelandic Fine Dining

Despite traditional dishes like fermented shark and boiled sheep’s head often overshadowing its culinary scene, Iceland is home to many acclaimed restaurants where visitors can discover creative, expertly crafted, and delicious cuisine.

In Reykjavík, Dill highlights the country’s flavors with dishes like winter-dried wolffish and fermented cabbage, even earning Iceland its first Michelin star a few years ago. Close by, Óx offers a menu focused on Icelandic ingredients in a vibrant setting. Within the Reykjavík Edition, Tides captures local tastes with dishes such as baked arctic char paired with celeriac, apples, and smoked almonds. Further south, Moss Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon presents an immersive dining experience that caters to both omnivores and vegans, challenging the notion that Icelandic cuisine relies solely on animal products.

This list is certainly not exhaustive; countless exquisite dishes await discovery across the country for those eager to savor the flavors of Iceland.

3. Stroll along a colored-sand beach

While black-sand beaches are a staple on many travelers’ itineraries along Iceland’s south coast, they aren’t the only vibrant beaches worth visiting. Journey to the southern Westfjords to explore another unique sand hue. Rauðasandur, meaning red sand, faces Breiðafjörður Bay and extends into the adjacent hills. Its pinkish tones can shift from gold to red depending on the weather. A striking black church stands guard over the coastal landscape, providing a dramatic contrast to the scenery.

The views are definitely worth the trek, though the journey can be challenging. It's advisable to visit during favorable weather, which can be unpredictable in Iceland; the road is steep, winding, and unpaved. Timing your visit for low tide is also recommended to witness how the sea has beautifully sculpted the beach. Keep an eye out for nesting terns and other ground-nesting birds, as they fiercely protect their eggs.

4. Explore a local museum

Iceland’s rich cultural and geological heritage makes it a treasure trove of information, perfectly suited for museums that offer deeply engaging experiences. What may seem like a plain building in an isolated area can actually host an enthralling, interactive storytelling journey that immerses visitors in Icelandic folklore and interesting facts.

Consider Draugasetrið in Stokkseyri, a town in southern Iceland. Within this seemingly ordinary structure lies a museum that invites visitors to delve into some of the eeriest ghost tales from the region. In Bíldudalur, the Icelandic Sea Monster Museum serves as an interactive guide to the mythical creatures that inhabit the waters just outside its doors. (Road signs in the area even caution travelers to watch for the same monsters featured in the museum.) One of the most engaging museums is the Lava Show in Reykjavík and Vík, which offers guests a close encounter with real molten lava by simulating a volcanic eruption. There are numerous other museums scattered across the country, so be sure to stop by whenever you see one.

5. Discover the Diamond Circle in Northern Iceland

For those eager to witness Iceland’s largest waterfall and explore legendary sites that doubled as Game of Thrones filming locations, the Diamond Circle is a must-see. This route serves as northern Iceland’s counterpart to the Golden Circle in the south, featuring some of the region's finest attractions all in one itinerary.

Whether you join a tour or embark on a self-drive adventure, make sure to visit these key locations: Lake Mývatn, a stunning area rich in birdlife with natural baths reminiscent of the Blue Lagoon but without the crowds. Dettifoss Waterfall, towering about 150 feet and spanning 330 feet, is another highlight on this route. Ásbyrgi Canyon, steeped in Icelandic folklore, offers breathtaking scenery. Húsavík, the main town along the way, is famed for its incredible whale watching, a reputation that gained traction long before its Hollywood spotlight in Will Ferrell’s Eurovision Song Contest movie.