What Real Travelers Need to Know About Iceland: How to See the Country Without All the Tourists

Iceland has the beautiful scenery, never-ending rivers, and crazy weather that you’ve heard so much about. Also, it costs a lot. That being said, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on trips or well-planned Instagram stops to enjoy it.  In Iceland, it’s good to be on your own.   If you’re willing to drive yourself, sleep outside, and sometimes stay away from “Top 10” lists, you’ll get to see the real Iceland that most people don’t get to see.

I did this the easy way: I camped when the weather was great, lived in my car, and went to places where there weren’t a lot of rental SUVs at 9 a.m.  If it sounds like you, keep reading. This is the Iceland you need to see. Also, you are renting a car in Iceland. Public transportation isn’t great for getting around, and trips put you right in the middle of a crowd.   When you have a reliable car, you can make your own plan and be free.

Don’t believe all the talk about the Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is great if you like getting around groups of people who are all taking the same shot. There are some cool things to see in Þingvellir National Park, and the past is interesting. But what else should you do? People say it’s better than it is. Geysir is a posh tourist trap, while Gullfoss is stunning but always full of people. If you do go, try to go early in the morning or late at night in the summer after everyone has had dinner.

Instead, go to less well-known waterfalls like Gjáin or Háifoss. They are a bit of a drive on rough roads, but that’s why car rentals are helpful. There won’t be any bus trips here; just you and a few brave people.

How to Manage Your Money, Camping, and Costs

Iceland is, without a doubt, expensive. How come gas prices are so high? Why do food and room prices seem so high? If you don’t mind spending more than $150 a night on something simple, don’t try. But here’s what you should do: camp.

Check the rules to see if you can camp in the woods, but even official campgrounds cost about $10 to $20 per night, which is less than hotels. You can get food from Bonus or Kronan and bring your own stove. If you don’t want to be broke in two days, don’t eat out every day. A bowl of soup can cost $20 in Reykjavík.

Tip: Get a car that lets you sleep. I did this every day for a week.  Even if it’s not luxurious, waking up next to a fjord with no one else around is special.

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The Hot Springs

That “I was here” picture isn’t worth going to the Blue Lagoon for.   It’s too expensive and feels like a theme park for people who want to be popular.   There is a 1-hour hike up to a thermal river at Reykjadalur Hot Springs that is well worth it. You could also go to Hrunalaug, which is small, rustic, and runs on donations, or Hellulaug in the Westfjords, which is free and often empty.

In general, not enough people praise the Westfjords.   If you have time and don’t mind dirt roads, you can go off the Ring Road and see beautiful rocks, puffins at Látrabjarg, and almost no other people.

Avoid Making This Mistake

Not Thinking About the Weather 

You can do whatever you want in Iceland. Always bring clothes and make sure everything is waterproof, no matter what time of year it is.

You shouldn’t rush through Iceland

You shouldn’t try to see everything in five days. Pick a place and do it well.

Driving the Ring Road Too Fast

The best thing about the Ring Road is going too fast because you can stop at strange places like a secret waterfall, a hot dog stand on the side of the road, or a group of curious Icelandic horses. Do not just go through.

Not Protecting Your Rental from Gravel

 As soon as a rock hits your window, you’ll wish you hadn’t skipped it.

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Following the Free Spirit Path

People who work from home or travel alone should only visit this country if they are ready for it. For some reason, Wi-Fi is pretty good in most towns, and you can work from coffee shops in Reykjavík and Akureyri. The real magic happens when you stop, hook up your phone, and work while looking at a glacier.

What do I remember best? The Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon was close by. We set up a small camping fire and made coffee. Then we worked for two hours while icebergs floated by.   There isn’t a tour bus. Don’t rush. My PC, Iceland, and I are the only ones here.

The Iceland You’ll Actually Remember

Tourists can make Iceland feel overrun, but if you’re willing to travel on your own terms—hit the road yourself, camp under the open sky, and choose real adventures over picture-perfect shots—you’ll discover the untamed, authentic Iceland most people only dream about but rarely experience.

Do not bring too much. Just hop in your car and go to areas that no one else is writing about. In that area is where Iceland really is.

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