Known as the "Land of Fire and Ice" because of its abundant glaciers and violently active volcanoes, Iceland has made its mark on the map as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. In just a little more than 10 years, between 2000 and 2012, the number of international tourists to visit the country more than doubled, said a study by the Icelandic Tourist Board. The population is just over 300,000, meaning number of locals was dwarfed by the 672,900 tourists that came to see the Northern Lights, visit hot springs, and hike around volcanoes in 2012.

While the large island isn't exactly getting crowded – it's the most sparsely populated of all European countries – some travelers are fond of seeing only the most remote locations, and one corner of Iceland doesn't disappoint: Westfjords.

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Listed by Timeas one of the world's best-kept secrets, Westfjords is a peninsula on the northwestern side of Iceland. The coastline is cut into jagged edges by numerous long fjords andWestfjords makes up a third of Iceland's coastline, says the Westfjords Tourist Center. The beautiful region is also extremely isolated, with only 7,400 inhabitants; about three percent of foreign tourists find their way to the peninsula, reported Rough Guides. Although the lack of population and development does make travel a bit more difficult, it's possible to make the six-hour trek to the region from Reykjavik by car.

According to Lonely Planet, Westfjords has everything from a cosmopolitan town called Isafjordur to tiny fishing villages along the sandy beaches and even the last surviving ice cap in the area, called Drangajokull. CNN recommends visiting the Museum of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft for those interested in a few good folktales or the Hellulaug Hot Spring near Flokalundur. The spring remains at a constant 100 degrees F, making it the perfect temperature for a relaxing soak.

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To learn more about the country that once used dried fish as currency and how it's managed to keep secret the beautiful Westfjords region, visit Iceland's tourism and promotional website.