While most visitors focus on Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, the Golden Circle region is also home to many lesser-known stops that are easy to add to a day trip. Scattered throughout the region are quieter places that reveal a different side of the route: hidden waterfalls, historic landmarks, scenic viewpoints, and peaceful countryside stops that many travelers pass without noticing.
Some of the best hidden gems on the Golden Circle include Þórufoss waterfall, Brúarfoss, Faxi waterfall, Laugarvatnshellir caves, and the Sólheimar eco-village.
Adding just one or two of these stops to your Golden Circle itinerary can turn a typical Golden Circle day trip from Reykjavík into a more varied one. Many of these locations are only 5–20 minutes off the main Golden Circle route, making them easy detours during a self-drive trip.
Overview: Golden Circle Hidden Gems
| Best scenic hidden gem: Brúarfoss |
| Best quick detour: Þórufoss |
| Best roadside stop: Faxi |
| Best countryside experience: Efstidalur Farm |
| Best cultural stop: Gljúfrasteinn – Halldór Laxness Museum |
| Most unusual stop: Laugarvatnshellir caves |
Lesser-Known Stops Along the Golden Circle Route
Many of these locations sit just a few minutes from the Golden Circle route, making them easy additions between the main attractions.
On Route Reykjavik–Þingvellir
Gljúfrasteinn—Laxness Museum: A Literary Journey
Nestled in the peaceful Mosfellsdalur valley, Gljúfrasteinn was the home of Halldór Laxness, Iceland’s Nobel Prize-winning author. Today the preserved house functions as a museum offering a glimpse into Iceland’s literary history and the life of one of the country’s most celebrated writers.
| Location: Mosfellsdalur valley |
| Detour: about 5 minutes from Route 36 |
| Time needed: 20–30 minutes |
| Best for: literature lovers and cultural stops |
The house remains largely unchanged since Laxness lived there, making the visit feel like stepping back into mid-20th-century Iceland.
Helgufoss Waterfall: A Quiet Retreat
Just a short drive from Gljúfrasteinn, Helgufoss is a quiet waterfall hidden in a green valley above Mosfellsdalur.
| Walk: about 10–15 minutes from parking |
| Time needed: around 20 minutes |
| Best for: a quiet nature stop before reaching Þingvellir |
The 12-meter waterfall flows into a narrow canyon, creating a calm atmosphere far removed from the busier Golden Circle attractions.
Þórufoss—The Game of Thrones Waterfall
Only a few minutes from Route 36, Þórufoss is one of the most overlooked waterfalls along the Golden Circle route.
| Detour: about 5 minutes from Route 36 |
| Walk: short walk from parking |
| Time needed: 10–15 minutes |
| Best for: photography and quick scenic stops |
The river Varmá plunges roughly 15 meters into a rugged canyon. The waterfall gained international attention after appearing in Game of Thrones Season 4.
On Route: Þingvellir-Geysir
The Cave People of Laugarvatnshellir
Near the village of Laugarvatn lies Laugarvatnshellir, a cave complex with an unusual history. In the early 20th century, families lived here, carving homes directly into the rock.
| Detour: directly beside Route 37 |
| Time needed: 20–30 minutes |
| Best for: history and storytelling |
Today visitors can join short guided tours that share the fascinating story of Iceland’s “cave people” and life in rural Iceland before modern comforts.
Laugarvatn Fontana Spa
Located beside Lake Laugarvatn, Fontana Spa offers a relaxing geothermal stop between Þingvellir and Geysir.
| Location: Laugarvatn village |
| Time needed: 1–2 hours if bathing |
| Best for: geothermal bathing and lake views |
Efstidalur Farm & Ice Cream: A Sweet Stop
Efstidalur is a working dairy farm and a popular countryside stop along the Golden Circle.
| Location: between Laugarvatn and Geysir |
| Detour: directly on Route 37 |
| Time needed: 20–30 minutes |
| Best for: homemade ice cream and farm views |
Guests can enjoy ice cream made from the farm’s own milk while watching the cows through large windows inside the barn.
Brúarfoss—Iceland’s Brightest Blue Waterfall
Brúarfoss is one of the most distinctive waterfalls in Iceland, known for its turquoise blue color.
| Location: near Route 35 between Laugarvatn and Geysir |
| Walk: about 30–40 minutes from parking |
| Time needed: 1–1.5 hours |
| Best for: hiking and photography |
The vibrant blue water contrasts dramatically with the surrounding lava rocks, making this waterfall particularly popular with photographers.
On Route Geysir–Gullfoss
Haukadalsskógur—A Forest Near Geysir
Just a few minutes from the Geysir geothermal area, Haukadalsskógur offers a surprising change of scenery along the Golden Circle.
| Time needed: 15–30 minutes |
| Best for: short walks and peaceful nature |
Large-scale tree planting began here in the early 20th century, and today the forest contains Sitka spruce, larch, pine, and poplar trees.
Brú Horse Farm—Meet Iceland’s Horses Up Close
Located between Geysir and Gullfoss, Brúarhestar horse farm provides an easy roadside stop to see Iceland’s famous horse breed.
| Time needed: 10–15 minutes |
| Best for: families and animal lovers |
Visitors can often stop to see the horses grazing in nearby fields. A small self-service box sells special horse treats (“horse candy”) that visitors can buy to feed them safely. Feeding the horses with other food is not permitted.
Faxi Waterfall
Often overlooked by travelers rushing between Geysir and Gullfoss, Faxi waterfall offers a peaceful stop along the Tungufljót river.
| Location: about 15 minutes from Geysir near Flúðir |
| Walk: short walk from parking |
| Time needed: 15–20 minutes |
| Best for: quiet waterfall views |
This lesser-known stop offers a quiet glimpse of Iceland’s raw volcanic landscape and is rarely crowded by tour buses.
On Route Gullfoss–Reykjavik
Skálholt Cathedral
Skálholt is one of Iceland’s most historically important sites and served as a major religious and cultural center for more than 700 years.
| Location: about 30 minutes from Gullfoss |
| Time needed: 20–30 minutes |
| Best for: history and architecture |
The cathedral and surrounding grounds offer a peaceful break from the busier Golden Circle attractions.
Sólheimar Eco-Village
Sólheimar is a small eco-village focused on sustainability, organic farming, and inclusive community living.
| Location: about 15 minutes from Skálholt |
| Time needed: 30–45 minutes |
| Best for: crafts, gardens, and local cafés |
Beyond the Classic Golden Circle Stops
While the Golden Circle is best known for Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, the surrounding region offers many lesser-known places worth discovering. Adding a few of these hidden gems to your Golden Circle itinerary can turn a typical day trip into a more varied and memorable journey through Iceland’s landscapes, history, and countryside. If you are planning the route for the first time, see our Golden Circle step-by-step itinerary to understand how these stops fit into a typical day trip.
History of the Golden Circle
Read More →FAQ: Golden Circle Hidden Gems
Are there hidden gems along the Golden Circle route?
Yes. Beyond the famous attractions of Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, the Golden Circle includes several lesser-known stops such as Þórufoss waterfall, Brúarfoss, Faxi waterfall, Laugarvatnshellir caves, and the Sólheimar eco-village.
Do hidden gems require large detours from the Golden Circle route?
Most hidden gems are located only a few minutes from the main Golden Circle route. Many can easily be added as short stops during a Golden Circle day trip.
Which hidden gem on the Golden Circle is best for photography?
Brúarfoss is often considered one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Iceland due to its vivid turquoise water flowing through dark lava rocks.
Which hidden gems are easiest to visit quickly?
Þórufoss and Faxi waterfalls are both quick stops with minimal walking required, making them easy additions to a Golden Circle itinerary.
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