As a destination, Iceland is absolutely booming — and that means the list of crowded, tourist hotspots is getting longer and longer. If a more authentic take on this island country is what you’re after, veer off the Ring Road. Skip the popular tourist attractions, and explore in all directions. Here are five of our favorites ways to get a deeper look into the Land of Fire and Ice.
In 2017, the captivating island nation of Iceland welcomed just under 2.2 million visitors from across the globe. This remarkable number represents more than six times the total population of this unique and sparsely populated country. It is not at all difficult to comprehend why Iceland’s popularity as a travel destination has experienced such an explosive surge in recent years. Its geographically remote location, the breathtaking and stunning natural vistas that unfold at every turn, the friendly and English-speaking locals who are always ready with a welcoming smile, and the captivating and deeply ingrained culture all combine to make the Land of Fire and Ice a truly fascinating yet surprisingly approachable destination for travelers of all kinds. Furthermore, all indications suggest that this impressive statistic is only poised to continue its upward trajectory, promising even greater numbers of visitors in the years to come.
Of course, with such widespread fame and recognition comes a few inevitable downfalls. It is unfortunately quite easy to fall into the common trap of only visiting the most popular spots, those that are frequently showcased among tourists, like the iconic locations you constantly encounter on Instagram or read about in glossy travel magazines. If, instead, you would prefer to truly get a taste of the real and authentic Iceland, the Iceland that exists beyond the tourist hotspots, consider following in the footsteps of its residents, the individuals who call this remarkable land their home. Spend however much time you have available to you seeing the country through their lens, experiencing it as they do, whether it’s through the unique and flavorful food you choose to try, the lesser-known and captivating places you decide to visit, or even the type of accommodation you select for your stay.
Here are five local experiences you can immerse yourself in, far away from the often overwhelming hordes of tourists – experiences that will allow you to enjoy Iceland just like a true Icelander would, providing a deeper and more meaningful connection to this incredible nation.
## Stay at a “Summerhouse”
**(Image of a summerhouse in the Icelandic countryside)**
There may be countless hotel options dotted all across the country, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets. However, chances are exceedingly slim that you will find locals choosing to relax there, even when they are on vacation themselves. Instead, most Icelanders opt to rent *sumarbústadur*, or summerhouses. These are remote, family-style cottages that are typically equipped with either a sauna or a hot tub, providing the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. They’re generally strategically located in particularly picturesque and often fairly isolated spots, allowing visitors to fully enjoy everything that nature has to offer in complete peace and tranquility. Think of activities such as fishing in pristine lakes and rivers, hiking through breathtaking landscapes, kayaking along calm fjords, or even watching the mesmerizing dance of the Northern Lights without a single tourist in sight to disrupt the serene atmosphere.
And despite what the name might initially suggest, these charming cabins are not just available during the summer months; you can, in fact, rent one all year long, allowing you to experience the magic of Iceland in every season. Of course, it is essential to make sure that road conditions are passable, particularly during the winter months, as more isolated summerhouses are often situated on back roads that are not regularly maintained. Safety should always be a top priority when venturing into the Icelandic countryside.
If you’d like to read more about other unique and alternative lodging options available in Iceland, explore further to discover a variety of unforgettable places to stay.
## Dip into a Hot Spring
**(Image of a natural hot spring in the south of Iceland)**
While the steamy, pearlescent waters of the Blue Lagoon are undeniably a pleasure to behold and bathe in, offering a luxurious and relaxing experience, this ultra-popular tourist stop is far from being the only place in Iceland where you can take a rejuvenating dip in a geothermal pool. In fact, in a country that literally runs on geothermal energy, harnessing the Earth’s heat to power its homes and industries, natural and man-made swimming pools are remarkably easy to find – especially those that aren’t overcrowded with visitors and offer a more authentic and intimate experience.
A go-to getaway for many Reykjavik residents, seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, is to spend the day on the golden sands of **Nauthólsvík**, a unique geothermal beach located right in the capital city itself. If you’re not quite adventurous enough to brave a swim in the sea’s characteristically cold water (Icelanders tend to possess a significantly lower bar for what they consider to be “cold water,” a testament to their hardy nature), there are a couple of inviting hot tubs available, as well as a seawater pool, all of which are heated with sustainable geothermal energy.
You’ll find at least one public pool equipped with excellent facilities in most towns and villages across the country, making it a perfect option for people traveling with children. Natural hot springs, on the other hand, are often hidden away in between the dramatic lava formations that characterize the Icelandic landscape, some being as small as a secluded hot tub that can only comfortably fit a couple of people, offering a truly intimate and unforgettable experience. In other words, don’t forget to pack your bathing suit, even if you’re visiting Iceland in the heart of winter. There’s truly nothing quite like taking a relaxing dip in a pool heated naturally by the Earth on a crisp, cold, and starry night.
## Relish the Food
**(Image of Kjötsúpa, Icelandic lamb soup)**
Just like with any other country around the world, food plays an undeniably important role in Icelandic lifestyle and culture, reflecting its history, traditions, and unique environment. While Reykjavik boasts a booming and diverse dining scene where you can pretty much find everything your heart desires – from classic Italian pizza to fresh Japanese sushi – consider skipping the international buffet and instead indulging in some truly authentic local delicacies, offering a genuine taste of Iceland.
Icelandic cuisine has been largely influenced by the country’s remote location in the North Atlantic Ocean and its often harsh and unforgiving climate. It is naturally rich in both meat and seafood, reflecting the country’s reliance on these resources throughout its history. Fishing was, in fact, the country’s largest industry until only a few years ago when the tourism sector finally took over as the dominant force in the Icelandic economy. Fermenting, smoking, and curing are some of the common techniques that locals have traditionally used for centuries to preserve their food and to add unique and distinctive flavors to their dishes, ensuring they could withstand the long and challenging winters.
One of the oldest seafood dishes in the country – and to this day still a firm favorite among Icelanders – is *Plokkfiskur,* or “plucked fish.” It’s a hearty and comforting fish stew traditionally prepared with potatoes, chunks of white fish (typically cod, halibut, or haddock), creamy milk, rich butter, and a blend of aromatic spices. Another well-known dish is *Kæstur hákarl*, or fermented shark. While this appetizer is undeniably a part of the country’s culinary landscape and history, it’s mostly served on special occasions and festivals, offering a taste of the past. The process of burying the shark meat and hanging it to dry is quite the complex and time-consuming undertaking!
Icelanders also raise a significant number of sheep, both for their valuable wool (think of the iconic and instantly recognizable Icelandic sweater) and for their flavorful meat. *Kjötsúpa*, or lamb soup, is a local favorite, particularly during the colder months. It’s prepared with tender lamb shanks and a generous portion of vegetables such as leeks, potatoes, cabbage, and carrots, all boiled together in a rich broth and often served with a side of tangy sour milk. Smoked lamb, or *hangikjöt,* is another popular dish, often enjoyed as an appetizer around Christmas time or simply as a satisfying snack on a piece of traditional Icelandic rye bread.
Other traditional Icelandic dishes that are worth seeking out and trying include smoked “leaf bread,” which is also typically served on Christmas, boiled blood sausage made from the innards of sheep (known as *slátur*), dried fish (or *harðfiskur*), and, of course, that incredibly delicious and creamy Icelandic yogurt, *skyr,* which has become increasingly popular around the world.
## Go Searching for Wildlife
**(Image of a Puffin with Leucanthemum on the cliffs in Iceland)**
The breathtaking and beautiful sights along South Iceland and the renowned **Golden Circle** are undoubtedly well worth seeing and experiencing, offering a glimpse into some of the country’s most iconic landscapes. However, there’s truly so much more to the country than just the well-trodden paths where the tour buses typically go.
If you’d like to actively avoid the crowds of selfie-snapping tourists and seek out a more secluded and intimate experience with nature, consider heading to some of the less-visited (but equally gorgeous) areas of the country, such as the stunning **Snaefellsnes peninsula** in West Iceland. It’s conveniently located only about an hour’s drive from Reykjavik and offers the same remarkable diversity of sights and experiences that you would find in the South – endless expanses of moss-covered lava fields, dramatic black sand beaches, quaint and charming fishing villages, mysterious underground caves, cascading waterfalls, and plenty of fantastic hiking options for all skill levels. The peninsula is also home to a national park of the same name, which protects a 700,000-year-old active volcano with a glacier-topped peak, creating a truly awe-inspiring landscape. To learn more detailed information about the specific sights and attractions on the Snaefellsnes peninsula, consider further research to unlock its hidden gems.
Another remote and largely untouched area that is particularly popular for relaxation among locals – rather than being overrun with tourists – is the **Westfjords**. It’s the very definition of isolated and remote: Many areas here are only accessible either on foot, requiring a significant hike, or by boat, adding to its sense of adventure and seclusion. Once you arrive, be sure to check out the pristine **Hornstrandir Nature Reserve**, located on the northernmost point of the Westfjords. This remote area boasts no roads or permanent residents, unless you count the diverse and abundant wildlife, including the resilient Arctic foxes, the charming puffins, and the rest of the reserve’s fascinating fauna. Even low-flying airplanes are strictly banned from operating in this area in order not to disturb the delicate ecosystem. To truly get the most out of this stunning and untouched piece of land, it is highly recommended that you hire a knowledgeable local guide to accompany you on a multi-day trek, providing insights into the local flora, fauna, and history.
Another captivating region that unfortunately receives almost no attention from the majority of tourists is the **East Fjords**. Seydisfjordur, a picturesque small town nestled inside a deep and sheltered bay, offers breathtaking and beautiful views, perfect Aurora Borealis viewing conditions in the winter months, great diving and water sports opportunities during the summer, and even a couple of fascinating cultural attractions, such as the unique Tvisongur Sound Sculpture and the Skaftfell Center for Visual Art. You may also recognize Seydisfjordur as the primary setting for the popular Icelandic TV show, *Trapped*. And that’s just one example of the many hidden gems waiting to be discovered in this often overlooked region of Iceland!
## Hit the Slopes
**(Image of Bláfjöll Ski Resort is only a half-hour drive from Reykjavik)**
It may not come as a major surprise that winter sports are incredibly popular in Iceland, given its northerly location and abundant snowfall. However, for some reason, tourists have largely stayed away from the mountains and ski resorts, meaning that these facilities are still predominantly visited and enjoyed by locals.
In the winter months, Reykjavik residents often flock to **Bláfjöll Ski Resort**, which is conveniently located only a half-hour drive southeast of the capital city. It boasts 16 lifts that provide access to slopes of varying difficulty levels, ensuring that beginners are well catered for and not left behind. Consider staying for an evening run and, if you’re particularly fortunate, you may even have the unforgettable experience of hitting the slopes while the mesmerizing Northern Lights illuminate the sky above you.
If you’re a more serious and experienced skier or snowboarder, it is worth heading to the north side of the island to explore further options. **Dalvík**, a small and charming seaside village situated north of Akureyri, is particularly famous for its exceptional alpine skiing facilities. In fact, it’s so renowned for its skiing that it is home to some of Iceland’s very own professional winter athletes. The resort is conveniently located within walking distance from the village itself and boasts two lifts. There are also a number of cross-country tracks nearby if you’d like to venture out on your own and explore the surrounding landscape.
Most resorts in the country are generally open from November until May, although this is, of course, dependent on the prevailing weather conditions and the amount of snowfall. Regardless of your individual skill level or age, you are sure to have some serious fun here, while also enjoying the unique opportunity to rub elbows with the friendly locals and experience the Icelandic winter spirit.
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