There are places in Iceland that are easy to visit. And then there are places that require a bit more effort, but reward you in ways you honestly don’t expect.
I’m sharing 5 places across the country that are absolutely worth the detour.
These aren’t your typical Golden Circle stops. These are the kinds of places that make people say: “Wait… THIS was in Iceland?!”
If you’re planning a trip and want to go beyond the basics, this list is for you.
Table of Contents
- How to Reach These Places (Car & Camper Van Tips)
- Látrabjarg (Westfjords)
- Seyðisfjörður (East Iceland)
- Hveradalir (Highlands)
- Plan Your Trip with My Iceland Map
- Westman Islands / Vestmannaeyjar (South Iceland)
- Siglufjörður (North Iceland)
- Sample Route Using These 5 Detours
- Random Fact of the Episode
- Icelandic Word of the Episode
How to Reach These Places (And Save on Your Rental)
Let’s be real for a second. To visit places like these, especially the Westfjords, Highlands, and North Iceland, you’ll need your own vehicle.
Public transport won’t get you to most of these locations, and guided tours often don’t go this far off the beaten path.
That’s where having the right rental car or camper van makes all the difference.
I personally use and recommend:
I’ve partnered with them for years because:
- They have a wide variety of vehicles (from small cars to fully equipped campers)
- Their customer service is amazing
- And they make it easy to travel around Iceland confidently
How to Save + Get Free Extras
When you use my link:
gorentals.is/allthingsiceland
You’ll automatically get:
- 7% off your rental
- Plus some really helpful extras
Here’s exactly what to do:
For Go Car Rental:
- Click the link and enter your travel dates
- The 7% discount is automatically applied
- When you get to “Insurance & Extras”
- Select 4G WiFi
You’ll see the price does not increase, it stays the same
For Go Campers:
- Click the same link and choose your camper
- The 7% discount is automatically applied
- Under the “Sleeping” section
- Select a sleeping bag
- Again, the price stays the same
It’s one of those little things that makes a big difference when you’re traveling around Iceland.
1. Látrabjarg (Westfjords)
If you’re craving something remote, raw, and wildly beautiful, this is it.
Látrabjarg is the westernmost point of Iceland, and is known for its dramatic sea cliffs and incredible birdlife.
Why Látrabjarg worth the detour:
- One of the best places in Iceland to see puffins up close
- Massive cliffs stretching for kilometers
- A true “edge of the world” feeling
Important tips:
- The road can be rough, so take it slow
- Best visited in summer (June–mid August for puffins)
- Not recommended in winter, late fall or early spring.
You can use a 2wd to get here but a 4×4 makes the trip easier and smoother. This is exactly the type of destination where having the right vehicle matters.
2. Seyðisfjörður (East Iceland)
This town feels like stepping into a completely different side of Iceland.
The drive into Seyðisfjörður alone is unforgettable. The winding road down a mountain pass into a peaceful fjord surrounded by waterfalls is incredible.
What makes Seyðisfjörður special:
- Eclectic, artistic vibe
- The iconic 🌈 rainbow road leading to the blue church
- Quiet and scenic atmosphere
Easy access:
It’s only about 25 minutes from Egilsstaðir, making it a simple but rewarding detour in the East.
3. Hveradalir (Highlands)
If you’ve heard of Landmannalaugar, think similar, but quieter and less crowded.
Hveradalir is a geothermal wonderland filled with steaming valleys and colorful rhyolite mountains.
Why Hveradalir stands out:
- Incredible views right from the parking lot
- Fewer crowds than other Highland destinations
- Surreal, otherworldly landscapes
What you need to know:
- Only accessible in summer
- A 4×4 vehicle is required
- Your car must be insured for F-roads
- No river crossings needed
This is where renting the right type of vehicle becomes essential.
Stop Guessing What’s Worth Visiting in Iceland
Planning a trip here can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to figure out what’s actually worth the detour.
Inside my Iceland Map, I’ve pinned 350+ must-see spots, hidden gems, and practical stops so you can build a trip that flows without second-guessing every decision.
4. Vestmannaeyjar - The Westman Islands (South Iceland)
The Westman Islands feel like a completely different world.
A ferry ride from the south coast takes you to a volcanic island shaped by a powerful 1973 eruption.
Why it’s worth visiting:
- One of the largest puffin colonies in the world
- Unique volcanic landscapes
- Incredible hiking
- Beluga whale & puffin sanctuary
When to go:
- Summer for puffins
- Winter for dramatic scenery
5. Siglufjörður (North Iceland)
Siglufjörður is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem.
What makes Siglufjörður special:
- Charming harbor views
- Rich fishing history
- Peaceful, tucked-away atmosphere
Getting there:
The drive, especially through the mountain tunnels, is part of the adventure. It’s a one lane tunnel for both car directions.
Sample Itinerary Including These 5 Detour Stops
If you’re wondering how to actually connect these places into one trip, here’s a realistic way to do it.
This route works best in summer, when the Highlands and Westfjords are accessible.
Suggested Trip Length: 10–14 days
Day 1–2: Reykjavík + South Coast
- Explore Reykjavík
- Drive the South Coast
- Optional overnight near Vík or Hvolsvöllur
From here, you’ll head toward your first detour.
Day 3: Ferry to Vestmannaeyjar
- Take the ferry from Landeyjahöfn
- Explore Heimaey island
- Hike Eldfell volcano
- Puffin spotting (in summer)
Overnight on the island or return to the mainland.
Day 4–5: Head East to Seyðisfjörður
- Drive along the South Coast toward East Iceland
- Stop at glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand beaches along the way
- Base yourself near Egilsstaðir
- Take the scenic drive into Seyðisfjörður
This is one of the most beautiful drives in the country. Don’t rush it.
Day 6–7: North Iceland + Siglufjörður
- Continue north along the Ring Road
- Optional stops: Dettifoss, Mývatn area
- Head to Siglufjörður via the mountain tunnels
Take your time here. This town is all about slowing down.
Day 8–9: Into the Highlands – Hveradalir
- Head inland toward Kerlingarfjöll
- Drive F-roads (with a 4×4 vehicle)
- Explore Hveradalir geothermal area
Plan for flexibility because Highland weather can change quickly.
Day 10–12: The Westfjords + Látrabjarg
- Drive toward the Westfjords
- Take your time—this region is all about slow travel
- Visit Látrabjarg cliffs for puffins and insane coastal views
This is the most remote part of the trip, and honestly, one of the most rewarding.
Day 13–14: Return to Reykjavík
- Head back toward Reykjavík
- Optional stop at Snæfellsnes Peninsula along the way
Important Notes for This Route
- This is a big trip. Don’t try to rush it
- Best done June–August
- A 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended
- Always check:
- Road conditions on SafeTravel.is
- Weather before heading into remote areas at vedur.is
Want This Route Planned Out for You?
This is exactly the kind of trip that can feel overwhelming to piece together on your own.
Inside my Iceland Map, I’ve already:
- Pinned all of these locations
- Included nearby stops you wouldn’t think to add
- Made it easy to build a route that actually makes sense
So instead of guessing, you can just plug things in and go.
Random Fact of the Episode
Iceland is home to the largest puffin colony in the world, and many of them nest along cliffs like Látrabjarg.
At their peak, you can see millions of puffins around the country. But they spend most of their lives out at sea, only coming to land to breed.
Icelandic Word of the Episode
Krókur (KROH-kur)
Meaning: a hook, bend, or detour
A perfect word for this post, because the best places in Iceland often require a little krókur.
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