Residing in the heart of the North Atlantic Ocean, Iceland is often called the Oasis of Peace, owing to its surreal landscapes. The island country is renowned for its panoramic views, massive mountains, and the elusive Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. The land is a plateau that is home to vast ice fields, live volcanoes, and naturally occurring hot springs.

An excursion to Iceland is an experience of a lifetime and a shared dream of many travel enthusiasts. To make the journey of these travellers more scenic and memorable, here are the top locations and hidden gems in Iceland.

Graenihryggur Ridge

The Graenihruggur-Green Ridge offers some of the best views of the landscapes in Iceland and leads to unique formations in the Lamdnannalaugar area, near the Central Highlands of the country. The striking emerald green-coloured ridge resembles a natural jewel and is a sight to behold. The trek of this site goes through a remarkably pristine and picturesque area. It is highly recommended to embark on the trek to this beautiful ridge and discover the extravagant beauty of Iceland.

Strútsfoss waterfall

The Strútsfoss is one of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland and is located along the Strutsa River. The Strútsfoss waterfall is off the beaten path and away from the crowded tourist trails. The magnificent waterfall cascades to the red strata in two levels. The first is 30 meters high, whereas the second falls from 100 meters above sea level. The flowing water, with the beautiful surrounding area, makes this site a magical experience. The best time to visit this is between April and October.

Reykjanes Peninsula Grindavik

The Grindavik region encapsulates dramatic surroundings, lava fields adjacent to the coast, and the renowned Blue Lagoon, offering endless possibilities to visitors. Sites such as Eldovorp, Selatangar, Gunnuhver, and the Reykjanes lighthouse add to the extraordinary beauty of the village of Grindavik. The village encounters seismic activity on a daily basis, experiencing more than ten earthquakes per day. However, the earthquakes are minor and measure only three on a Richter scale. Apart from this, the village is home to a community of 3000 residents.

Hrossaborg

Hrossaborg is located in Mývatnsöræfi, near the edge of the Highlands desert in Iceland. The crater looks out of this world with its distorted circular shape. It was formed 10,000 years ago due to the explosion of hot magma with cold groundwater. It was once used as a pen for horses, hence its name, Hrossaborg, which translates to Horse Castle.

Trollaskagi

Trollaskagi peninsula is one of the most popular towns for snow activities. It has the tallest mountain range in Iceland, exceeding 1500 metres in height, and offers a number of activities, such as skiing, snowmobiling, and snowboarding. The 200 glaciers in the peninsular region and the snow mountain cap last through May. The ski hike here begins from the mountain and ends on a black beach near the ocean. During the summers, the place becomes a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, as it has stunning hiking trails, and tourists can drive on the cliff looking over the ocean below.

A trip to Iceland is nothing short of visiting heaven itself. The breathtaking views, surreal landscapes, and the truly mesmerising Northern Lights make this place one of a kind. While there are many great popular locations to visit in the Island country, there are several hidden gems waiting to be explored. From majestic waterfalls and hot springs to hiking glaciers, Iceland offers endless opportunities for travellers to behold its natural beauty and connect to nature in the most surreal way possible.

The article has been authored by Wego general manager, India Bernard Corraya.