Iceland is a short flight from Europe and the east coast of North America, yet its beauty is so extraordinary—rainbow-capped fjords, black lava fields, glowering volcanoes, and glass-clear glacial rivers—it could be on another planet.
While popular and cinematic attractions like the Ring Road, a 830-mile drive around the island’s coastline, the moonlike Reynisfjara beach, and the iconic Blue Lagoon geothermal spa on the Reykjanes Peninsula are worth exploring, Iceland offers even more to those who wish to experience it like a local.
With the toasty warmth of Reykjavik’s bars during winter and colorful fishing towns to explore in summer, there is an endless supply of authentic experiences to enjoy. If you want to holiday like an Icelander, where should you begin?
Birdlife, Hotpots, and Whale-Watching in North Iceland: Hrisey
Carolyn Bain is a guidebook travel author who lives in Reykjavík.
The small island of Hrisey is a 15-minute ferry ride from the village of Árkógssandur, but it’s a world away from the hustle of the Ring Road. The ferry doesn’t carry cars; wheelbarrows sit at the island’s dock so new arrivals can transport their luggage, while tractors serve as the island’s preferred mode of transport.
Home to around 160 residents, Hrisey offers minimal services: a shop, a casual restaurant, a guesthouse, and a geothermal swimming pool. Visitors are drawn here for tranquillity, abundant birdlife—including ptarmigan, terns, gulls, and ducks—stunning walking trails, and breathtaking views. Hrisey sits in a long, mountain-lined fjord, providing spectacular panoramas in all directions.
This picturesque island can be visited year-round. In winter, the ferry operates regularly and the geothermal pools remain accessible. The island’s beauty is equally captivating in summer, when visitors often rent cottages with private hotpots on the deck while scouting the waters for whales.
On the mainland, the Hrisey ferry docks near Kaldi Brewery in Árkógssandur. Here, guests can enjoy a restaurant, hotpots, and unique ‘beer baths’. A 5km drive south takes you to Hauganes, home of Baccalá Bar, where you can savor delicious fish and chips. Whale-watching boats also depart from here, and more hotpots await by the fjord’s shore.
Chasing Unusual Green Landscapes in Iceland: Ásbyrgi
Egill Bjarnason is an Icelandic journalist who loves to hike among trees and petrified trolls far away from Reykjavík.
Tracking the weather in Iceland eventually leads you to the lush, horseshoe-shaped canyon of Ásbyrgi, which offers a unique microclimate. This area remains sunny and warm, sheltered by 100m-high cliffs that block the wind.
During sunnier weekends, the campsites in Ásbyrgi become popular destinations for travelers. The northern canyon is one of the furthest drives from Reykjavík, yet families—mine included—often endure long hours to experience its natural beauty, while many foreign tourists remain unaware of this botanical treasure.
Situated within Vatnajökull National Park, which is known for its breathtaking diversity, the best time to visit is in late spring and summer, especially for those eager to hike. Here, visitors can find accessible trails, including the scenic 33km-long Jökulsárhlaup trail, though this trek will require two days to complete. Short on time? A leisurely walk to Botnstjörn pond takes only about 30 minutes from the Ásbyrgi car park.
Remote Scenery & Musical Bingo at the Edge of the World: Neskaupstaður
James Taylor is a travel writer and photographer based between Barcelona and Reykjavik.
The remote fjords of East Iceland possess a distinctive charm. Despite this area being one of Iceland’s most dramatic and scenic coastlines, many travelers breeze right through. However, for those who linger, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the magnificence of nature.
I often find myself returning to Neskaupstaður, one of the most isolated towns in Iceland, located at the top end of three distinct fjords. This town offers remarkable edge-of-the-world scenery, and I usually set up camp nearby or stay at the family-run Hildibrand Hotel. The allure of Neskaupstaður lies in immersing oneself in the wild landscapes for a few nights. The hotel organizes kayaking expeditions and super-jeep tours into the mountains, but exploring on foot can be equally rewarding.
To the east, a coastal trail leads to Páskahellir (Easter Cave), while more adventurous hikers can venture into the next fjord, Hellisfjörður, where remnants of a whaling station await discovery. This trek is not merely a path but a pathway to solitude and stunning scenery. After your excursion, enjoy a meal at Beituskúrinn (the Bait Shack), where you might find yourself partaking in the town’s famous musical bingo night, transforming your dinner into an unforgettable experience.
