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.

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.