Things to see in Iceland

Away from Reykjavik: The best sights and extraordinary things to see in Iceland

For many, Iceland has a familiar sequence of imagery: the cascading water of Gullfoss, the geothermal steam of the Blue Lagoon, and the colourful rooftops of Reykjavik. While these locations offer an undeniable introduction to the country’s wonders, they represent merely the threshold of a much grander, untamed territory.

At Exclusive Expeditions, we view Iceland not as a destination to be viewed from a tour bus, but as a dynamic wilderness to be explored with a sense of wonder. To truly experience the raw power of the North Atlantic, one must travel beyond the capital. Away from the crowds, the definitive things to see in Iceland are found where the asphalt ends and the vast basalt deserts, massive glaciers, and silent fjords begin.

 

Here is our curation of the most compelling sights and hidden treasures awaiting the discerning traveller in rugged, rural Iceland.

The haunting isolation of the Westfjords

Geologically, the oldest corner of the island, the Westfjords region is a land of massive table mountains and deep, ocean-carved valleys. Because it sits away from the traditional Ring Road circuit, it remains blissfully quiet, visited by only a fraction of the country’s travellers.

 

The crown jewel of this region is Dynjandi, a series of seven stunning waterfalls that cascade down a tiered mountain. Standing at the base of this roaring monument, with the wind carrying the scent of the sea, is a sensory reminder of the earth’s scale. It is a destination that demands slow, deliberate exploration, aligning perfectly with our ethos of bespoke European and polar expeditions. 

Into the highlands: The painted mountains of Landmannalaugar

Accessible only during the summer months via rugged F-roads, the Icelandic Highlands are a barren, multi-colored volcanic desert. Landmannalaugar is the heart of this volatile territory, renowned for its sweeping rhyolite mountains that shift in shade from ochre and caramel to deep cobalt blue under the changing northern light.

 

Navigating this otherworldly terrain requires a private superjeep and an experienced guide to cross the unbridged glacial rivers. Hiking across the obsidian lava fields, followed by a soak in a completely natural, wild geothermal river, stands as one of the most transformative things to do in Iceland for those seeking absolute immersion. 

The Arctic contrast of the Troll Peninsula

In the far north of the island, the Troll Peninsula (Tröllaskagi) projects into the Greenland Sea. This is a landscape of dramatic verticality, where snow-capped peaks rise straight from the ocean’s edge.

 

In the winter, it serves as a playground for private heli-skiing, allowing you to carve turns from summit to shoreline. In the summer, its quiet fishing villages and dramatic coastal roads offer a window into an older, slower way of Icelandic life. Drifting through these deep fjords on a private zodiac while scanning the dark waters for humpback whales provides a quiet depth of travel that mirrors our philosophy on what an expedition holiday actually is.

Stuðlagil Canyon: The Basalt cathedral

Hidden away in the rural east of Iceland lies Stuðlagil Canyon, a breathtaking geological formation that remained virtually unknown to the outside world until recently. For decades, the canyon was flooded by a powerful glacial river, but the construction of a nearby hydroelectric plant revealed a canyon flanked by the largest collection of basalt columns on the island.

 

The geometric precision of these hexagonal pillars, framing a river that shifts from turquoise to emerald green, feels architectural, almost designed. Walking along the canyon floor gives you the sensation of stepping inside a natural cathedral carved entirely from volcanic stone.

Architecting the extraordinary

Iceland is an island made entirely by its seasons and meteorological shifts. A valley that is carpeted in green moss and wild lupine in July can transform into an impassable, ice-locked wonderland by November. Understanding these natural transitions is key to unlocking the true soul of the island. To ensure you time your journey perfectly to catch either the midnight sun or the celestial dance of the Aurora, read our guide on the best time to visit Iceland.

 

At Exclusive Expeditions, we specialise in the logistical precision required to navigate these extreme frontiers safely and privately. We don’t just plan a route; we orchestrate a deep encounter with the elements.

 

Are you ready to explore the rural frontiers of the North? Our expert travel designers are ready to help you navigate the nuances of the Arctic and the wider world. Contact our team today to begin designing your custom Icelandic odyssey.

Keep exploring

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