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Iceland is no longer what it used to be – a faraway dreamland that nobody knows about. That’s not to say Iceland isn’t an amazing destination; it’s just no longer a secret.

What used to be an ideal place for all types of travelers, especially solo travelers seeking an adventure, now it’s a mainstream destination with prices through the roof.

Your first stop in Iceland is Keflavik, where in all likelihood, will be your springboard to reach the capital city, Reykjavik.

Here is where your jaw may hit the floor with hostels costing double, triple, or even quadruple, what other popular European destinations charge, meaning upscale lodging is even more of a punch in the gut.

Good news is a new travel hotspot has emerged as a result of higher travel expenses across the board and influx of travelers invading Europe’s most eye-popping country.

Formerly a top road trip destination, as Iceland’s ‘Ring Road’ is the ultimate bucket-list item, now the gorgeous town of Akureyri is making a name for itself all on its own as Iceland’s new tourism hotspot.

A Whole New Way To Reach Northern Iceland

Iceland is still a blast the old fashioned way. You know, renting a car, getting lost on roads you can’t pronounce and stopping at all the top sites, like the Blue Lagoon.

But…there’s a new way to experience Iceland, making the country more enticing to visit than ever before.

Akureyri is Iceland’s second largest city, which isn’t saying much considering there are less than 400,000 residents in the entire country!

If you’ve been to Iceland, you probably flew Iceland Air or their flagship budget carrier, Play (formerly WOW Air).

Rather than take these airlines to Keflavik and spend hours on the road upon landing, there is another option to connect in England with a nonstop flight from easyJet straight into Akureyri.

Skip The Blue Lagoon And Embrace Northern Iceland

With 8.5 million travelers set to fly into Keflavik this summer, many have their sights set on one of Iceland’s top attractions – the famous Blue Lagoon.

What tourists may not know is showers are required before entering the lagoon. Let’s just say weaving through the very Euro style locker room is an adventure in its own right, and even more so if it’s jam-packed.

But did you know there is an awesome alternative that opened in 2022 in Akureyri? The tranquil Forest Lagoon is the anti-Blue Lagoon where you can have some space for a nearly identical experience.

Receiving rave reviews, one recent guest exclaimed, “Of all the lagoons I visited in Iceland, this one was my absolute favorite!”, with others such as the Myvatn Nature Baths within 40 miles.

Alternative lagoons are not the only draw to lure more tourists in Akureyri and the surrounding area. This entire region packs a punch with less crowds and insanely beautiful natural sites.

Not Just A Winter Wonderland

Iceland sees most tourists from the U.S. during the summer months. While Akureyri is magnetizing during winter as top spot for witnessing the Northern Lights, it’s great for a summer getaway too.

As tourism has sky-rocketed, the country is doing its best to disperse tourists across the nation to thin the crowds.

Set along Eyjafjordur, the longest fjord in Iceland, what Bergen is to Oslo, Akureyri is to Reykjavik. In other words, it’s worth the extra bit of effort to reach.

Those new to Iceland may be surprised by the country’s endless green landscapes. Locals commonly joke Iceland and Greenland should switch names.

The scenery is gorgeous throughout the area with similar, and perhaps even more jaw-dropping sites, than southern Iceland with waterfalls like Skjalfandafljot Falls nearby.

Between May – September, Akureyri is an incredible place to go whale watching through multiple tour operators.

While many Iceland tourists are all about Puffin sightings, spotting a variety of Humpback Whales, Minke Whales, and even Blue Whales and Orcas on occasion, is a whole other level.

And like Reykjavik, Akureyri is both charming and quirky and worth some on your itinerary hopping around all the scenic spots from the Akureyrarkirkja church, a handful of museums, and trendy cafes.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Travelers are fickle. At one moment, we’re in search of winter sun, and the next we’re totally cool packing extra layers as long as we can witness Northern Lights, indulge in Christmas market delights, or hit the slopes in a magical mountain town.

Iceland may not tick off the latter as a ski destination, but it’s long been both mystical and mysterious to travelers worldwide, especially with easier connectivity over the last decade.

As such, more and more travelers couldn’t stifle their wanderlust impulses anymore, ultimately flocking to Iceland’s stunning waterfalls and famous Blue Lagoon and exploring the charming, vibrant streets of Reykjavik.

I had a blast the first time I visited Iceland, and I still consider this wondrous island to be my favorite country.

On my second trip, though…ehh, let’s just say the magic was lost when sharing space at waterfalls and black sand beaches as if I was a fish swimming upstream against a current of selfie sticks.

The good news is there’s a perfect alternative. Just as captivating with similar culture, otherworldly landscapes, and yes, unpredictable weather (so be ready), lies Europe’s lesser-known Faroe Islands, just highlighted by Yardbarker as a 2025 must-visit.

Europe’s Best Alternative To Iceland

The Faroe Islands boast all the same charm you find in Iceland except for a few quirks like Reykajvik’s museum dedicated to the male anatomy.

But, like Iceland, there are some shared quirks too, such as folklore legends of hidden elves living within society and endless streets with unpronounceable names like Tinghúsvegur.

As for similar attractions, expect to find unimaginably beautiful waterfalls like Múlafossur, rolling landscapes reminiscent of a Lord of the Rings film, hobbit-like homes, and yes, you can even get up close and personal with miniature horses.

One notable missing piece in comparison to Iceland is the famous Blue Lagoon, but as a visitor myself, I’d say you can skip it in favor of Iceland’s new hotspot Akureyri, where spas’ entry fees are slashed in half.

The Faroes don’t have any geothermal spas, but you can check out Varmakelda, known as “The Healing Spring,” which is said to ‘increase love and passion’ if you’re into that woo-woo stuff.

Some other notable plusses for The Faroes are:

• Saksun has black sand beaches similar to Iceland’s Vik
• There’s no ‘Ring Road’ like Iceland, but there’s an impressive Eysturoy Tunnel to connect islands
• For cheap eats, try a Faroese ‘French-style ‘hot dog, comparable to Iceland’s gas station staple
• Deeply-rooted Viking heritage; check out The Faroe Islands National Museum ($11 admission)
• The capital Torshavn; a spitting image of Reykjavik’s multi-colored rows of delightful streets

Reaching The Faroes & Where To Stay

The Faroe Islands might be blushing brighter than their vibrant, postcard-worthy red townscape.

Following Iceland’s footsteps, their flagship carrier Atlantic Airways launched the first-ever direct flight to the States in 2023, but has since been discontinued due to lack of interest.

One could argue serving New York’s lesser-known New York Stewart International Airport was a mistake, but the historic route never took off like Iceland’s Play Airlines.

The good news is there are still a variety of ways to reach The Faroes, including Atlantic Airways, with popular connecting hubs such as London, Paris, Barcelona, and yes, even Reykjavik, to double dip in similar destinations.

The Faroe Islands welcomed their first name-brand hotels in 2020, so you can use your points at Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands or opt for a more authentic feel, such as the aforementioned hobbit-like homes.

If I’m not cashing in Hilton points, I’d choose The View in Bøur, with astounding waterfront views in traditional sod-roofed houses.

The Faroes’ Stunning Coastal Villages

Torshavn makes a great base, just like Reykjavik would in Iceland, but paying a visit to the Faroes’ tiny villages might be the highlight of your trip.

Anyone who’s done deep research on where to go in the Faroes has to have Gjógv at the top of their list.

Named after a 200-meter-long sea-filled gorge, this blip on the map packs a punch with natural beauty as one of the best photo-worthy spots of Denmark’s autonomous nation.

Next would be Nólsoy, an island of its own just a half-hour ferry ride from Torshavn, beholding epic mountain views.

Mykines (open late spring through summer) is home to a fruitful Puffin population, a popular sightseeing excursion both here and in Iceland.

For the adventurous, the coastal village of Tjørnuvík is known as a surfer’s paradise. Pack a wetsuit!

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.