Time to read: 5-7 min | Tags: Waterfalls, Nature, Geothermal Lagoon, Local Spots.
While most visitors focus on Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss, the Golden Circle region is also home to many hidden gems and 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 and memorable experience. 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 peaceful 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 a remarkable story. 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.
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
With its vivid turquoise water, Brúarfoss is often considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.
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.
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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