Few places have seen a tourism spike as much as Iceland.
While it’s a country deserving of recognition, overtourism in Iceland has become a pressing topic, just as it has throughout many popular regions throughout Western Europe. The country recently reinstated its tourism tax and is making efforts to preserve nature and prioritize locals over tourists.
All of this has raised questions into whether a country of less than 400,000 people can handle its estimated 2.2 million annual visitors.
You shouldn’t overlook Iceland just because it has widespread tourism; not many people go to Iceland and regret their decision. Still, there are plenty of places like Iceland that are equally astonishing but less frequented, and it’s worth looking into them.
So if you’re wondering where to go instead of Iceland, whether that’s somewhere more reasonably priced, easier to get to, less crowded, or perhaps even more exotic, continue reading to find out eight ideal Iceland alternatives.
1. Newfoundland
This Canadian island province makes a great case for being the most underrated travel destination in North America.
Newfoundland, off the coast of mainland Labrador, its provincial partner, is unlike anywhere else in Canada. The locals here actually speak with an Irish twang, and the island overall represents a blend of Ireland, Iceland, New England, and Canada (obviously). Even American country music is popular here, adding a semblance of an American South feel. It’s a real melting pot of cultural influences, which is why my trip to Newfoundland was arguably the most memorable of my lifetime.
The province is also one of the few easily accessible places where you can regularly see icebergs floating by come summertime, as they trek southward from Greenland. Whales, puffins, moose, and bears are plentiful. Over 95% of North American puffins make their way to Newfoundland each summer, which is the best time to see them. Witless Bay and Bonavista are two of the best places to see puffins in Newfoundland.
Gros Morne National Park is a standout among Canadian parks, boasting fjords, cliffs, beaches, and even the only place in the world, The Tablelands, where you can walk on Earth’s mantle.
Newfoundland coastal villages feel like the setting of a Mark Twain novel—incredibly simple and quaint. This serene, seaside setting is undoubtedly reminiscent of Iceland. My favorite town on the east coast is Twillingate, the best place to see icebergs (which typically float by from May to July). On the west coast, look into Lark Harbour, a tiny fishing village perched in a bay on the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The nearby hiking opportunities are exceptional and the seafood here, and throughout the province, is sensational.
The capital, St. John’s, has good nightlife and even makes for a convenient hub for opportunities. The downtown strip of bars, pubs, and restaurants evokes a mini-Dublin vibe, and there are numerous beautiful hikes right in and around the city, too. Look into exploring the East Coast Trail.
Getting to Newfoundland isn’t too difficult for most, however it does require a connecting flight through Toronto or Montreal. Make sure to rent a car well in advance if you’re going in summer as well, though once you arrive you won’t notice many other tourists.
2. The Azores
The Azores, a collection of nine active volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, is somewhat similar to Iceland but with a slightly tropical twist. Regardless, the volcanic aspect alone provides legitimacy to the Azores vs. Iceland comparisons.
As an autonomous region of Portugal, you might not think there could be a Portuguese-speaking nation that closely resembles Icelandic geography, but the Azores come close.
In addition to the volcanoes, the lush countryside, rugged coastlines, and coastal mountains in the Azores are very Icelandic. However, it’s much warmer here than in Iceland, so if you want an alternative to Iceland that boasts warmer temperatures, you should consider the Azores.
The Azores are even more isolated than Iceland, so flights will likely be costlier. That being said, once you arrive, you can expect significantly cheaper prices than Iceland.
3. Faroe Islands
You might find yourself wondering, What’s the next Iceland?
A good shout is the Faroe Islands. Dotted right in between Scotland, Norway, and Iceland, this island chain resembles a mix of all three countries, both in terms of geography and culture. And yet, despite their intrigue, the Faroes have yet to become a popular tourist destination.
No place on this list mirrors Iceland’s terrain and climate more than the Faroe Islands. One moment you’ll be strolling on a flat grassy heathland and the next you’ll be standing at the pinnacle of a towering oceanfront cliff.
The Faroe Islands are an autonomous region of Denmark, so there’s a real Scandinavian influence here. An important historic Norse settlement, Viking culture was once extremely prevalent here as well. The 18-island archipelago has a surprisingly well-connected road network, making it pretty easy to get around.
Though the Faroes are equally rugged, desolate, and peaceful as Iceland, there isn’t necessarily the quantity of activities here that Iceland has simply given its smaller size. The lack of glaciers and icebergs is the most notable difference that eliminates a couple of potential activities. However, that just means Iceland is probably more suitable for a long-term, 10-day or 2+ week-long trip. If you’re looking for a 5-day or one-week adventure, it might be nice to go to the Faroes. Its compactness means you’ll be able to thoroughly explore the archipelago in just several days!
4. Norway
Norway is by no means a hidden gem, but it can act as a great alternative to Iceland. Even though Norway is a popular spot for adventure tourists and outdoors lovers, it’s easier to avoid crowds than in Iceland because it’s such a large country. It takes over 24 hours to drive from the tip of Norway to Oslo on the south coast.
Its size means you can really tailor your itinerary in a number of ways, offering much more variety than Iceland. If you don’t want to get too far off the beaten path, you can stick to the area around Bergen on the west coast, a highly populated area with all kinds of accommodation and activities.
If you want a real adventure, you can head north to the Arctic Circle. Tromso is the northernmost city in the world and is a perfect jumping off point for more obscure thrills. Northern Norway is a true Arctic experience, with 24 hours of darkness in winter, 24 hours of daylight in summer, and common sights including the Northern Lights, polar bears, and glaciers.
And you can’t do Norway without seeing fjords. Many of the most breathtaking fjords and sparsely populated islands in Norway are relatively close to cities such as Bergen, Alesund, and Stavenger, making for an optimal trip even for non-thrill-seekers given the plethora of highly populated homebases.
However, if you’re looking for a place like Iceland to visit that’s a significantly cheaper option, Norway won’t be the most viable solution. Things are very expensive in this part of the world.
5. Ireland
Ireland has more similarities to Iceland than you think. The island, which also includes the country of Northern Ireland, is similar in size to Iceland, and there are a lot of cultural traditions and quirks unique to only Irish culture, just like Iceland’s one-of-a-kind culture. There’s a real distinctiveness to both Irish and Icelandic ways of life.
Both countries are known for having unbelievably friendly, welcoming locals as well.
Because of all of this, the Ireland vs. Iceland comparison is valid, but Ireland is far less desolate than Iceland. Ireland has a population density 20 times higher than Iceland, and it’s a pretty common place for people to visit, so you’re not venturing off the beaten path.
If surrounding yourself in nature is your top priority, Ireland might not be the most ideal alternative to Iceland. You might be better suited to look into places with more varied, exceptional terrain like Norway or the Faroe Islands.
With that said, the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare and Dingle Bay in County Kerry on Ireland’s west coast are exceptional and must-visits if you’re visiting the Emerald Isle.
On the other hand, if you’re hoping to get more of an immersive cultural experience and you enjoy places with lively nightlife, Ireland can be more rewarding for visitors than Iceland. Dublin’s nightlife is top notch. Plus, the country is so small and easily navigable that you can be out drinking and partying in Dublin on Saturday night to standing at the top of 700-foot cliffs on the opposite coast by lunchtime on Sunday.
6. Scotland
Though much is known about Scotland, it remains an underappreciated place. While Edinburgh is a magical city and the golf courses along coastal settings are world-class, there is so much unlimited, unspoiled nature that is waiting to be explored.
Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) is renowned as one of the most beautiful drives in the world for good reason, but Scotland’s scenic North Coast 500 route is a quality alternative if you’re hoping to experience civilization a bit more throughout your journey. Scotland is more affordable than Iceland, too.
There are no volcanoes or boundless hot springs in Scotland. But if you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of nature for perhaps more face-to-face interactions with locals, Scotland is a strong alternative to Iceland.
7. Svalbard
If you deem yourself a major adventure-seeker, these final two places relatively similar to Iceland are worthy of your consideration.
Svalbard is wild and barren. This autonomous region of Norway is basically home to the world’s northernmost everything, lying a staggering 2,000 km north of Iceland, even further north than most of Greenland. Longyearbyen, the capital, is the northernmost place with more than 1,000 residents in the world.
So, why go to Svalbard instead of Iceland?
Well, if you’re seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Svalbard is the place to do it. This archipelago has fewer than 3,000 permanent residents and welcomes only 30,000 tourists per year. It’s so obscure and isolated that, due to a lack of resources, people aren’t allowed to birth children on the island—they have to fly to mainland Norway to do so. Residents regularly carry guns on them when venturing outside of the center of Longyearbyen to protect themselves from polar bears.
There isn’t a main attraction in Svalbard. Rather, the attraction is the place itself. You’ll be experiencing a place that very few people have ever experienced. And while conditions are harsher, travel is more difficult, and things are even more expensive, the singularity of the place is what creates lasting memories.
In Svalbard, activities are at their most extreme. You can snowmobile or dogsled to glaciers, take an arctic boat ride in a quest to find polar bears, and experience 24-hour darkness (or sunlight!).
8. Greenland
While Greenland is an exotic destination, it’s actually more accessible than you might think. There are daily flights to Copenhagen and Reykjavik, meaning all it takes is one extra flight.
Geographically speaking, Greenland is mostly a frozen tundra. There’s some real truth to the joke that “Greenland” should actually be coined “Iceland” and Iceland should instead be Greenland.
While Greenland and Iceland are often compared, there’s actually much more of a significant difference between the two than in many places on this list. Greenlandic people are mostly Inuit (89%), with a completely separate lifestyle from Icelandic people.
Plus, Iceland is readily navigable for visitors year-round, with a far more temperate climate. In fact, even in the dead of winter, temperatures in Reykjavik usually get above freezing (0°C/32°F) on the majority of days. In Nuuk, the capital of Greenland (pop. 18,000), it might not reach 0°C or 32°F for months on end. You’re likely limited to visiting in the summer, when prices are absorbed.
If you do go, target the south of Greenland, such as the towns of Narsarsuaq and Nanortalik (“The Place of Polar Bears”) and Tasermiut Fjord. The southern tip of Greenland is mild enough to support a variety of plant species, unlike the west, north, and east which are essentially entirely covered by ice caps. Just be ready to open your wallet, because Greenland is expensive.
If you’re searching for somewhere similar to Iceland in terms of a desolate feel, Greenland is a sufficient option. Its population density is a staggering 0.14 people per square kilometerthe lowest in the world and more than 30x less than Iceland.
Places Similar to Iceland FAQs
Is Iceland or Norway more beautiful to visit?
Iceland and Norway are both worth visiting, as they have stunning landscapes and geographical features such as volcanoes and hot springs in Iceland and fjords in Norway.
These Nordic countries will therefore offer similar serene experiences, but the Iceland vs. Norway debate lies in personal preference. Both are two of the most beautiful places in the world.
Iceland has become a popular tourist attraction, and its famous ring road which circles the island is commonly regarded as a once-in-a-lifetime trip. However, Norway is much larger than Iceland, meaning there are a variety of activities, places, and cities to see, and their famous fjords and islands can be just as breathtaking as Iceland’s volcanoes, glaciers, and hot springs.
What are some Iceland alternatives?
Some similar places to Iceland include Ireland, the Faroe Islands, Newfoundland, and Scotland for travelers looking to go somewhere that’s a bit more reasonably priced. Norway is also similar to its Nordic counterpart in many facets, though like Iceland, it’s an expensive place to visit.
For the biggest thrill seekers, Svalbard and Greenland can be places to go instead of Iceland, though venturing to these regions can prove costly and requires a lot of pre-trip planning.
Which is better to visit between Faroe Islands vs. Iceland?
The Faroe Islands closely resemble Iceland in terms of culture, climate, and landscape. However, Iceland is much larger than the Faroe Islands and is more accustomated to tourists, so you might find that there’s more to do and see in Iceland. With that said, the Faroes are still a great place to visit, especially if you want to go somewhere equally beautiful but less traveled.
Is Greenland or Iceland better to visit?
Greenland and Iceland can both be rewarding places to visit, but Iceland is a hotspot for tourism for a reason. It’s far more navigable than Greenland, there is a larger variety of year-round activities to do, it’s cheaper to visit than Greenland, and the climate in Iceland is less harsh. Plus, Iceland has seven times more residents, meaning more locals to interact with vs. Greenland, which is the least densely populated place on Earth.
Should I go to Iceland or Ireland for vacation?
If you’re more interested in a culturally immersive trip, you might want to prioritize Ireland over Iceland, as there are simply more people and cities to get to know. The combination of history, outgoing locals, and pub culture that you can experience in Ireland makes for a more well-rounded trip than Iceland.
Contrarily, if you’re traveling with the primary focus of saturating yourself in nature, Iceland is a better place to spend your time. While Ireland is filled with picturesque countryside settings, the geographical features in Iceland—volcanoes, glaciers, icebergs, and hot springs—are far more distinctive.
