Hidden Gems of Iceland: Secret Waterfalls and Canyons Only Locals Know

Sæll, traveler! I’m Otto the Viking, and today I’m letting you in on a few of Iceland’s best-kept secrets. You’ve probably heard of Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Skógafoss—beautiful, yes, but often swarming with camera-wielding explorers. If you’re like me and crave the sound of rushing water without the crowd, follow my lead. Let’s journey off the tourist trail to the hidden waterfalls and canyons that only locals whisper about over a pint of cold Einstök.

Gljúfrabúi – The Hidden Neighbor

Just a stone’s throw from the famous Seljalandsfoss hides Gljúfrabúi, the “Canyon Dweller.” Most visitors don’t notice it because it’s tucked behind a mossy cliff. But step through the narrow crevice—your boots will get wet—and suddenly, you’re standing in a misty cavern where the waterfall crashes just meters away. The sunlight filters through the opening like a spotlight from the gods. It’s a place that feels alive, breathing, almost sentient.

I always tell my guests, “If Iceland had secrets, this would be one of them.” And remember, the best view here isn’t through a camera—it’s through the goosebumps on your skin.

Haífoss – The Tall Tale of the Highlands

Hidden deep in the Þjórsárdalur valley, Haífoss—“The High Waterfall”—plunges over 120 meters into a rugged canyon. It’s one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, yet most travelers never make the detour. The road there is rough, the reward magnificent. Stand at the edge and you’ll feel small, humbled by nature’s scale.

A local legend says that trolls carved this canyon while searching for gold hidden beneath the river. Whether true or not, the place certainly glows with its own magic when the sun hits the spray.

Stakkholtsgjá Canyon – The Hidden Passage

South of Þórsmörk, there’s a canyon that feels like a portal to another world—Stakkholtsgjá. It’s a short hike, but every step pulls you deeper into a fairytale. Towering moss-covered walls rise around you, narrowing until you reach a secret waterfall at the end, shimmering in a chamber of stone.

I once guided a group there during light rain. The sound of water echoing through the canyon created a rhythm like Viking drums. We all stood silent, spellbound. That’s Iceland—quiet moments that thunder inside your soul.

Aldeyjarfoss – Fire Meets Ice

If you venture north into the Bárðardalur Valley, you’ll find Aldeyjarfoss—a striking blend of black basalt columns and glacial water. It’s a lesser-known cousin of Svartifoss but far wilder. The waterfall looks like it’s bursting straight from the earth’s veins.

Few tourists come this way because it requires a bit of driving grit. But if you make it, you’ll stand where few others have, surrounded by the raw marriage of fire and ice that defines our island.

The Real Iceland Awaits

These hidden places aren’t just destinations—they’re experiences. They remind you why Iceland still feels ancient and untamed. So if you’re planning your trip, take a cue from Otto the Viking: wander where the maps fade and the stories begin.

Because the true Iceland isn’t found in the guidebooks—it’s waiting behind the next waterfall.