4 Golden Circle Alternatives: Less Touristy, More Adventurous

Golden Circle Alternatives: Quieter Trails and Bigger Adventures

The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most iconic sightseeing route — and for good reason. It’s close to Reykjavík, easy to access year-round, and packed with big-name attractions that first-time visitors love. But if you’re looking for something a little less commercial and a little more adventurous, there are incredible Golden Circle alternatives just beyond the main route.

When we first landed in Reykjavík, we knew we wanted to see everything Iceland had to offer. We didn’t want to miss anything: big-name waterfalls, off-the-beaten-path hikes, highland adventures (including the Laugavegur Trail) and yes — the Golden Circle. Although I can’t say I regret our time there, I genuinely enjoyed these more adventurous spots even more.

These places aren’t hidden gems — spots like Glymur, Reykjadalur, and Rauðhólar are well known to locals and returning travelers. They still offer a very different experience from the tour-bus-heavy Golden Circle stops. Expect quieter trails, dramatic landscapes, and a bit more effort to reach them, whether you’re hiking to a hot river, crossing a canyon to reach a tall waterfall, or exploring volcanic red hills near the city.

This guide highlights the best nearby alternatives to the Golden Circle for travelers who want fewer crowds, more movement, and a deeper connection to Iceland’s natural beauty. All of these stops are within easy reach of Reykjavík if you have a car.

If you’re renting a car for your trip, it’s worth comparing prices on DiscoverCars.com — they often have lower rates and clearer terms than booking directly.

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TL;DR

If you want a quieter, more adventurous day near Reykjavík, these four Golden Circle alternatives are easy additions to your itinerary.

• Glymur offers the most rewarding hike with fewer crowds.
• Meanwhile Reykjadalur delivers a beautiful hot-river walk that can get busy, especially in peak season, but is still worth the hike.
• Rauðhólar and Þórufoss provide gentle, scenic stops that are quick and easy to navigate to round out the day without the pace of the main Golden Circle route.
• Mix and match based on your time, energy, and interest.

1. Glymur Waterfall

Glymur is Iceland’s second-tallest waterfall and one of the best Golden Circle alternatives for travellers who want scenery with a bit of challenge. It offers more excitement than a simple roadside viewpoint. The trail is well known to locals and visitors alike, but it still feels worlds away from the tourist-heavy, classic Golden Circle stops.

This was our first Iceland hike, only a couple of hours after landing in Reykjavík, and it delivered from the very start. Reaching Glymur involves a moderately challenging trail through a dramatic canyon with caves, rivers, and rope-assisted sections. The first river crossing has a fixed rope to help with balance. In summer it is often shallow enough to cross on rocks and a log without getting your feet wet. If you complete the full loop, the second river crossing is deeper and can reach your knees or thighs.

Although it is the most challenging hike on this list, the payoff is unbeatable. With towering cliffs, moss-covered walls, and a waterfall that drops 198 meters into a wild and rugged canyon that feels untouched, it is also the most scenic. On our visit, we saw only a handful of other hikers. The whole area felt remote and almost secret. With new photo spots at every turn, this trail feels like a reward for anyone who puts in the effort. Even Sarah, the non-hiker in our family, enjoyed it.

2. Reykjadalur Thermal River

Reykjadalur — “Steam Valley” — is one of the most memorable Golden Circle alternatives, offering a scenic hike and a soak in a naturally heated river. It quickly became one of my favourite hikes in Iceland because it is unlike anything else we experienced.

The trail starts outside Hveragerði and climbs through a geothermal valley filled with steam vents, colourful hillsides, and wide-open views. It’s a moderate 3 km hike to the hot river, with a few steeper sections but nothing technical.

The river can get quite busy midday, but even during peak hours it stretches far enough that you can still find your own spot. You won’t be alone, but you should be able to have your own space.

Be prepared for the water to get a bit churned up when foot traffic is heavy. Just remember: this is a natural river — not the filtered, pristine waters of the Blue Lagoon — and that difference is part of its charm. For the clearest water with the fewest people, go early in the morning or later in the evening.

Parking costs: 200 ISK for the first hour and 250 ISK for each hour after that (about $2.20 CAD / $1.65 USD).

This is the most unique experience on the list. There’s something special about easing into the warm river after a steady climb, surrounded by steam, mountains, and rushing water.

3. Þórufoss

Þórufoss is a quiet waterfall tucked away in the Hvalfjörður region. It’s a perfect Golden Circle alternative for travelers who want a quick, peaceful stop. This is the easiest and shortest stop on this list.

Unlike the busy waterfalls along the main Golden Circle, Þórufoss sees very few visitors. The canyon and mossy cliffs feel calm and untouched. We saw only a couple of other people on the trail, and we had the falls all to ourselves.

The hike to the falls is short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors. The waterfall offers nice photo opportunities with minimal effort. The quiet setting complements more active stops like Glymur or Reykjadalur, offering a balance of adventure and easy sightseeing.

4. Rauðhólar (Red Hills)

Rauðhólar is one of the easiest and most accessible stops, yet it’s often overlooked by visitors rushing to bigger attractions. Located just outside Reykjavík, these striking red volcanic hills are remnants of an ancient crater cluster formed during massive lava flows from the Leitahraun eruption. The result is a landscape of deep red scoria, twisted lava formations, and rugged textures. It is unlike anything else in the region.

There’s no major hike — just a network of short, easy trails that wind through the hills. It is perfect for a quick stop or a longer wander. It complements the other stops nicely and adds variety to your itinerary. If I only had time for one stop, this wouldn’t be it, but it pairs nicely with other nearby spots like Glymur or Reykjadalur.

📌 Pro Tip: If you visit late in the afternoon (like I did), be prepared for long shadows in your photos. I edited out most of my shadows in Lightroom, but keep in mind they’re very noticeable in late afternoon light. Golden hour or morning provide better photo friendly light.

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Tips for Visiting These Golden Circle Alternatives

1. Wear proper footwear.
   Glymur has river crossings and uneven ground, and Reykjadalur can be muddy. Proper hiking shoes are beneficial. I wore my Hoka Speedgoats on all of our Iceland hikes.
2. Pack layers and a rain shell.
   Weather shifts quickly in every season in Iceland. Some of these stops are moderately long, and getting caught in a downpour, fog, or high winds without proper gear can turn a memorable adventure into a miserable—or even dangerous—slog across the trail
3. Download maps ahead of time (AllTrails, Gaia GPS)
   Cell service can drop along the Glymur trail and in parts of Hvalfjörður near Þórufoss
4. Know where facilities are (and aren’t).
   Reykjadalur has bathrooms and food services at the main parking lot. Glymur, Þórufoss, and Rauðhólar have no facilities once you leave the car.
5. Bring snacks and/or a thermos meal.
   You’ll be away from towns for most of these stops, so having food with you makes the day easier. Check out our guide on Hiking Fuel for High Elevation to help you plan your snacks
6. Follow Leave No Trace.
   Stay on marked trails, protect the delicate moss, and pack out everything you bring 👉 Leave No Trace Principles.

Golden Circle Alternatives Final Thoughts

When I look back on our time in Iceland, Glymur and Reykjadalur are the two stops from this list that would make my personal “favourite hikes” lineup. They felt adventurous, scenic, and a little less polished than the Golden Circle, which made the experience even more memorable. If you only have time for one or two alternatives, these are the ones I’d choose.

Rauðhólar and Þórufoss were still lovely additions to our day—quiet places that offered breathing room between the bigger sights. They weren’t the moments that defined our trip, but they added balance and texture in a way that simple detours sometimes do. Not every stop needs to be a showstopper to be worthwhile.

What all four places share is the chance to slow down and experience Iceland without the steady movement of tour buses. They reveal a gentler side of the region: less commercial, more relaxed, and often more rewarding if you enjoy wandering on your own terms.

If you’re planning a Golden Circle day and want to add variety—or if you’d prefer to skip the busiest viewpoints altogether—these alternatives are easy additions from Reykjavík. And if you’re like us, you may find that the quieter corners and lesser-known trails become the moments you hold onto the longest. They remind us that beauty isn’t always loud or dramatic. Sometimes it’s found in stillness, in small discoveries, and in the landscapes that invite us to pause and give quiet thanks to the One that creates these rugged and beautiful places for us to enjoy.