places to visit in southwest iceland

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Southwest Iceland (guide) – Map + Attractions + Photos

Last updated on November 1, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

A GUIDE TO MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR TIME IN SOUTH WEST ICELAND!

Within hours drive from Reykjavik, Southwest Iceland has many places to offer : waterfalls, geysers, hot baths, canyons caves… all possible as day tours from Reykjavik.  Below is a guide where you will find maps with the places to see, a list of the highlights not to be missed, and some extra pictures just because it is so beautiful!

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Iceland:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Iceland: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Whale Watching

Fun activity: Swimming in Silfra Fissure

My favorite places to stay:

• Reykjavik: see best rated hotels – e.g. Vintage Boutique Hotel
• Lake Myvatn: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Laxa
• Vik area: see best rated hotels – e.g. Hotel Vik i Myrdal

Video – Southwest Iceland

Here is a short video (less than 5 minutes) with the beautiful landscapes of South West Iceland including waterfalls, geothermal areas, geysers and canyons. I am sorry I shake a lot when I film; I hope you will still enjoy it and it will give you an idea of what you can expect.

South West Iceland Map and locations

Below is a map to give you a general idea of the region around Reykjavik:

The complete map is available in my eBook to help you plan your Iceland road trip :

Plan your dream trip in Iceland thanks to my guide

• 8 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• 100+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
• Tips to make the most of your time
• 130+ original photos to help you choose

Highlights of Iceland’s Southwest region – The Golden Circle

One of the highlights of the region is the Golden Circle.

A detailed guide is available on the Golden Circle Iceland article.

The main attractions are:

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir is a UNESCO Heritage site of historical, cultural, and geological importance with mountains, lake, waterfall & fault lines

See article

Geysir – Haukadalur

Haukadalur geothermal area is part of the Golden Circle. It is home to several geysers, mud pools and fumeroles

Gullfoss is and iconic waterfall on the Hvítá river with several steps and a very impressive drop

Need to rent a car in Iceland?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Prefer a  compact car  for the narrow streets in villages
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

Other attractions in South West Iceland

Below is the list of the top things to do and places to see in Southwest Iceland. Click to discover full articles with photos and planning information.

Blue Lagoon

Most famous place in Iceland where you can bathe in sulphuric hot water. Relaxing and supposedely good for your health

Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland. Near the water you find the Sun Voyager sculpture which shines many colors at sunrise

Urridafoss (the warterfall of Salmon) is a less touristic 6 meter high waterfall on the river Thjorsa

Hraunfoss is made of a collection of gentle cascades emerging from between the lava rocks covered with moss

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

On the roads of Southwestern Iceland

There is quite a lot of farming in South West Iceland. Sometimes it is flat and boring (but not often). Other times I like the contrast with the cliffs.

Kleifarvatn

Keifarvatn is a lake located along road 42 that takes you down to the South Coastline. There are some tracks in the vicinity to have fun with your 4WD vehicle. It is the largest lake on the Reykjanes peninsula. The road around the lake was being reworked, good that we had a 4WD 🙂

Other places of interest include:

• Seltun geothermal area
• Stransarkirka
• Raufarhoshellir cave
• Glymur waterfall

Where to stay in Iceland?

My favorites:

• Reykjavik , capital city:   see best rated accommodations  – or  my article on where to stay
• Selfoss , between Golden Circle and South Coast: see best rated accommodations
• Vik,  near waterfalls and glaciers:  see best rated accommodations
• Höfn , gateway to the East fjords:  see best rated accommodations
• Egilsstadir , between fjords and North Iceland:  see best rated accommodations
• Reykjahlid , for the wonders of Lake Myvatn:  see best rated accommodations
• Akureyri , capital of the North:  see best rated accommodations
• Grundarfjordur , on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula:  see best rated accommodations

Want to see more of Iceland’s beauty?

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Silver Circle Iceland

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THE GOLDEN CIRCLE ICELAND

Reader Interactions

March 29, 2018 at 5:54 AM

Thank you so much and really appreciated. very informative plan

March 29, 2018 at 9:31 AM

Thanks Penny I wish you wonderful travels!

Par Claire Robinson Region Lovers SARL 76600 Le Havre FRANCE VAT FR21845103191

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27 Gorgeous Places to Visit in Iceland’s Southwest

Last updated on february 3, 2024.

There are so many places to visit in Iceland, particularly for nature lovers. The island nation’s actually a lot bigger than most people think. It’s bigger than countries like South Korea, Ireland, and Hungary. Much of it is uninhabitable but certainly visitable – and it definitely deserves a visit! Here I’ve curated a list of 27 places to visit in Iceland’s southwest, all of which are accessible from Reykjavik. I’ve been to many of them and have added a few I didn’t get to visit exclusively but that I saw and looked particularly interesting.

It’s very hard to go wrong with Iceland, but I hope this helps you create a fantastic itinerary.

(Note that a lot of these places to visit in Iceland are available to visit on group tours via Viator and GetYourGuide , for those of you who won’t be renting a car.)

Table of Contents

Ytri Tunga Beach

This beach in first on the list because, seals! You can usually find a colony of seals sunbathing on this beach, particularly in the warmer months. I went in the winter and was lucky to see a group hanging out. There were also some sheep running free. It was definitely a highlight of my trip!

Arnarstapi is a small town but it’s not known for its architecture, history, or fantastic shopping. It’s known for its nature walk along the sea. There’s a marked trail you can take that will show you the cliffs of Iceland with amazing rock formations. Of course the other side of the town has a range of hills and glaciers, making it one of the prettiest places to visit in Iceland.

Budakirkja is a tar-painted church that dates to 1848. Located by its lonesome on the seaside, it’s a popular photo stop. The people who lived in the area had tents made of leather, which is why the church today seems so solitary. We couldn’t go inside but the area is very beautiful, and the church looks particularly pretty by itself against the landscape.

One of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls is Gullfloss, which is a stop on Iceland’s Golden Circle. This two tiered waterfall located in a gorge is massive and very impressive to see. During the warmer months you can walk a path that gets closer to the falls, but they were closed for winter as they get quite icy. However there are still a few viewing platforms open where you can see this massive work of nature from various angles.

Something that’s very useful for icy places such as Gullfloss and other waterfalls is crampons . Always, always, always wear good walking shoes in Iceland during winter. It gets incredibly icy.

Thingvellir

Thingvellir National Park (Þingvellir) is one of the most important areas of Iceland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the site of Iceland’s first parliament in 930 and was also the spot where Iceland declared its independence in 1944. Though the park is purely natural and looks drastically different from 1000 years ago, it’s still one of the essential places to visit in Iceland.

It’s part of the Golden Circle but note that the park is quite big and can take hours to explore. If you come here with a guided tour group you’ll only have about 45 minutes, which isn’t enough time to see the whole place.

Sólheimajökull Glacier (& Glacier Walk)

There are lots of glaciers in Iceland – and big glaciers! I had no idea just how big they were until my trip and you can get up close and personal with one at Sólheimajökull. It was really cool, no pun intended. The glacier also offers glacier walks if that’s something you wish to experience. Seeing the glacier up close is something I definitely recommend for your Iceland trip.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

There are many black sand beaches in Iceland but Reynisfjara is one of the most popular. The black sand, made of volcanic lava, is beautiful. What makes this beach most impressive is the geologic formations surrounding it. Lava rock hardens in peculiar ways and it’s quite stunning. It looks like nature became an architect.

However it is worth nothing that this beach is also very deadly. The waves are very strong and can sneak up on people quietly. Unfortunately many people have died here, which makes this beach very eerie. If you do go, stay several feet away from the ocean.

Kirkjufell & Kirkjufellsfoss

Kirkjufell (“Church Mountain”) is a large and interestingly shaped hill on the Snaefellsnes peninsula. You may have seen it on Game of Thrones . Across the street from the mountain is the waterfall Kirkjufellsfoss, and the two together make a very popular photo op for visitors. The area also overlooks a town and I thought the views surrounding it were quite gorgeous. But honestly, every place in Iceland is quite gorgeous!

Centuries ago, many people came to Iceland to see Geysir the geyser. Actually the word “geyser” comes from this proper name, Geysir. Geysir National Park is quite small but interesting. Here you can find a lot of hot springs and the area is filled with natural steam. You can see Geysir, the one and only, but it’s currently inactive unfortunately. However its neighbour, Strokkur, erupts every few minutes so you’re guaranteed to see a geyser eruption.

Brú Horse Farm

Most places in Iceland are actually privately owned, but Icelanders are quite kind in allowing people on their property to visit. Brú Horse Farm has a parking lot where you can stop and see the Icelandic horses. Here they even have a self-service station to buy some treats for the horses who come up and say hello. There are quite a few places to visit in Iceland where you can stop and see the horses but I thought I’d add one sure place to this list. Seeing the Icelandic horses up close is a great way to spend time in Iceland.

Laxnes Horse Farm

If you have a bit more time, you can ride some Icelandic horses at Laxnes Horse Farm . I don’t have experience with the farm itself (it’s on my list for next time) but the area is a valley that’s absolutely stunning. Exploring it on horseback would definitely be an amazing experience.

There are so many places to visit in Iceland if you want to see waterfalls. Skógafoss is one of them. At about 200 feet high, it’s quite an impressive sight. You can take a trail up to the top of the waterfall but apparently can’t see the waterfall from the viewpoint.

Seljalandsfoss

Another waterfall to see is Seljalandsfoss, which is about 200 feet high. You can actually go around the back of the waterfall in the warmer months (but the path is closed and very slippery in the colder months).

Eyjafjallajökull

If you’ve watched The Secret Life of Walter Mitty then you’ve heard of Eyjafjallajökull, or that one volcano with the name impossible to pronounce. (It’s actually not once you say it a few times!) This is the volcano that erupted in 2010 and caused publicity for Iceland which would actually cause tourism to skyrocket. Iceland has about 130 volcanoes to see and it’s worth stopping by and admiring Eyjafjallajökull from a distance. I realised on my trip to Iceland just how little I’d known about volcanoes before then.

Djupalonssandur Black Lava Pearl Beach

A beautiful and fascinating place to stop is Djupalonssandur Beach. The area has amazing rock formations. Though there’s black sand on the beach (grated lava stone) it’s rockier than it is sandy, so it’s called a “black lava pearl beach.” The beach is also where an English ship wrecked in 1948, leaving 14 people dead. The remains of the boat are still on the beach and it’s very eerie to walk through this memorial where so many people perished.

The Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

Another site of ruin, but not of fatal ruin thankfully, is the Sólheimasandur black sand beach where a U.S. Navy plane crashed in 1973. The story is that the plane ran out of fuel and crashed. Luckily nobody died but the plane is still there to see.

Secret Lagoon

There are a few places to visit in Iceland that have a lagoon or spa, and I list a few more below. The one I went to was Secret Lagoon in Fludir and it’s the most affordable option here. It’s a lagoon heated by natural hot springs, and they have a cafe where you can get snacks, coffee, beer and wine. They do allow you to bring drinks into the lagoon so you can enjoy a nice glass while chatting with friends.

The lagoon was almost exactly like a natural hot tub. It was very relaxing and a great way to experience (and appreciate) some of Iceland’s natural wonders.

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is the most popular choice for vacationers in Iceland. I didn’t go because it’s quite expensive, plus you have to pay for a transfer since it’s not accessible via public transport (that is, unless you’re renting a car). But it differs from other lagoons in that it’s a very pretty blue shade. Blue Lagoon also has a larger focus on skincare products and spa-like services, which Secret Lagoon doesn’t offer.

I’ll definitely try Blue Lagoon when I go back to Iceland and see if it lives up to the hype.

Fontana is yet another spa but what puts it on this list is its unique bakery . They serve “lava bread,” which is bread baked with the geothermal energy of the earth. They also have eggs they cook in the hot springs. It’s also a very affordable experience.

Sky Lagoon is another option for a spa getaway, and the last one I’ll put on this list. It’s accessible via public transit from Reykjavik but is still on the pricier side. They offer a few spa services and have an ocean view.

Bridge Between Continents

Did you know that Iceland is technically part of North America as well as Europe? I didn’t! It’s because the island nation rests on both teutonic plates – and then some – and then none! I’m not a geologist but if you’re interested in that type of thing, it’s certainly worth reading up on.

I visited the Bridge Between Continents and it was still pretty cool. You get to walk from the North American teutonic plate via a bridge to the Eurasian teutonic plate. It’s not an incredibly exciting journey but it’s fun to say you walked from one continent to the other.

Vik is a small town in southern Iceland that is made up of some stores, restaurants, and a beach under the watch of Vík i Myrdal Church, dating to 1929. It also has a beautiful black beach to see, and rumour has it the three imposing stones off the beach are actually trolls that turned to stone in the sunlight. It’s worth a short stop to see.

Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)

The Westman Islands are next on my Iceland bucket list! A lot of puffin colonies make their home on these volcanic islands during the summer months, so it’s a sure destination for puffin watching. They are close to the mainland and easily accessible via a ferry.

Caves of Hella

The Caves of Hella are Iceland’s oldest archaeological site and their origin is unknown. I did not visit these caves in particular but unique archaeological sites are always worth visiting, I think.

Katla Ice Cave

Katla is another volcano in the south of Iceland and it’s, err, due to erupt. But chances are it won’t while you’re there so you can actually visit the ice caves under the volcano. This was something I missed but is probably an incredible experience.

Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel

Similar to an ice cave, the Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel is close to Reykjavik and makes an easy day trip. For volcano and geology enthusiasts it is not to be missed.

Wherever the Northern Lights Are

Of all the places to visit in Iceland, one is ever-changing: wherever the Northern Lights are. Since it’s a natural phenomenon, it can be a bit tricky to see them, but you definitely can if the conditions are right. You’ll need a clear night. I got to see the lights on a cloudy night, which was quite lucky, but they were in turn quite faint. It was still an amazing experience.

You can download the Aurora App for free to see where the Northern Lights are best seen and your chances of seeing them at your current location. Many tour companies offer Northern Lights Tours from Reykjavik, which you can rebook for free if you don’t get to see the lights.

There are lots of amazing places to visit in Iceland and I had the privilege to visit many of them in Iceland’s southwest quadrant. They all make great day trips from Reykjavik and of course you can see many in one day. A lot of these places to visit in Iceland are available to visit on group tours via Viator and GetYourGuide , for those of you who won’t be renting a car. That’s what I did and I had a great time.

I hope this list helps you make a great itinerary for your trip to Iceland!

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Southwestern Iceland Travel Guide

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Carson (United States)

I must tell you that my tour with you is probably THE best tour I've ever taken (and I've taken a lot). My guide Rico set a bar so high that I don’t know i...

Spread either side of Reykjavík, southwestern Iceland extends barely 200km from end to end, but nowhere else are the country’s key elements of history and the land so visibly intertwined. Here you’ll see where Iceland’s original parliament was founded over a thousand years ago, sites that saw the violence of saga-age dramas played out, and where the country’s earliest churches became seats of power and learning. Culture aside, if you’re expecting the scenery this close to the capital to be tame, think again: the southwest contains some of Iceland’s most iconic – and frequently explosive – landscapes, compelling viewing whether used as a simple backdrop to a day’s drive, or as an excuse to spend a week trekking cross-country.

Places to visit in Southwestern Iceland

Central south iceland, njál’s saga country, south coast of iceland, tailor-made travel itineraries for iceland, created by local experts.

8 days  / from 2092 USD

Iceland: A Game of Thrones Road Trip

This themed road trip will take you around Iceland, home to many filming locations of the hit TV series, Game of Thrones. Travel around the country's coastline, past the many dramatic glaciers and cliffs, relax in geothermal spas, and spot whales in the rough seas. Warning: Spoiler alert!

8 days  / from 2052 USD

Iceland's Wild West

Welcome to the road trip of a lifetime, which will bring you to some of western Iceland’s wildest and most remote spots. On this adventure, you will pay unforgettable visits to Hraunfossar Waterfalls, as well as the Barnafoss and Deildartunguhver hot springs, and much more!

6 days  / from 1680 USD

Iceland's Highlights from East to West

Take a flight to the East where you get to enjoy the enchanting Eastfjords before you drive south. If you are looking to focus on a few regions with a mix of the most popular sights and something off the beaten path; and to avoid backtracking with a one-way domestic flight, this is the perfect trip.

Blue Lagoon and Golden Circle

Southwest of Reykjavík , bleak, semi-vegetated lavafields characterize the Reykjanes Peninsula , site of the international airport at Keflavík, though the famous Blue Lagoon adds a splash of colour. Due east of Reykjavík, a clutch of essential historical and geological features – including the original parliament site at Þingvellir, Geysir’s hot water spouts, and Gullfoss’ rainbow-tinged cataracts – are strung out around the Golden Circle , an easy route tackled by just about every visitor to the country.

Central South

Then there’s the central south, a broad stretch of grassy river plains further southeast again, whose inland regions give way to a blasted landscape surrounding the volcano Hekla and hot springs at Landmannalaugar , itself the starting point for the popular four-day Laugavegur hiking trail. Back on the coast, the rolling farmland of Njál’s Saga country is dotted with landmarks from this famous tale, not to mention beautiful scenery and further hiking around the glaciated highland valley of Þórsmörk .

South coast

The south coast is decorated with spectacular waterfalls fringing the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull ice caps, both of which harbour active volcanoes, before the highway runs east out of the region via the attractive coastal hamlet of Vík. Offshore, a short ferry ride from the mainland lands you on Heimaey, the small, intimate core of the Westman Islands , alive with birdlife and bearing further recent proof of Iceland’s unstable volcanism.

East of Reykjavík on the Ringroad, the hothouse town of Hveragerði and nearby transit hub Selfoss are the gateway to Iceland’s central south, a swathe of fertile plains watered by the Hvítá, Rangá and Þjórsá – Iceland’s longest river at 230km – and the clutch of bulky glaciers to the east. The inland area here cowers beneath Hekla, a destructive volcano whose antics have put paid to regional farming at least twice in recorded history, with tracks past the mountain leading to hot springs and brightly coloured hills at Landmannalaugar, right on the edge of Iceland’s rugged Interior. If you enjoy the great outdoors, Landmannalaugar’s surrounds are worth a trip to Iceland in their own right, not least for the superb four-day Laugavegur hiking trail. If you’re not that serious, consider less demanding tracks over the hills above Hveragerði, also featuring steaming hot springs.

Hveragerði hikes

Reykjadalur, the steamy heights above Hveragerði, is covered in trails and hot springs, its hillsides stained by volcanic salts and heathland plants, and, in fine weather, offering inspiring views coastwards – not to mention the thermal streams, warm enough to bathe in, so take your swimwear. Maps of the area, available at the information centre, have all trails and distances marked; on the ground, many routes are staked out with coloured pegs. As always, carry a compass and come prepared for bad weather.

For an easy four-hour circuit, follow Breiðamörk north out of town for about forty minutes to a bridged stream at the base of the fells, from where a pegged trail heads uphill. Crossing the muddy top, you descend green boggy slopes into Reykjadalur (Steam Valley), named after the hot stream that runs through the middle. You need to wade across this at any convenient point – there’s a shallow ford – and then follow the far bank at the base of the forbidding rubble slopes of Molddalahnúkar, past a number of dangerous, scalding pools belching vapour and sulphur – stay on the path. At the head of the valley, 3km from the bridge, the stream bends west, with Ölkelduhnúkur’s solid platform straight ahead and the main trail following the stream west along Klambragil, another steamy valley. There are a number of shallow, warm places to soak here – just test the water temperature before getting in.

Heading southeast from the Þjórsá on the Ringroad, the first thing you’ll notice are disproportionate numbers of four-wheel-drives towing boxes, and a wide, rolling expanse of pasture, positively reeking of horse. This is one of Iceland’s premier horse-breeding areas, with Oddhóll, the country’s biggest stud farm, near the small town of Hella. The countryside between here and the distant slopes of Eyjafjallajökull to the east comprises the plains of the two-pronged Rangá river system, famed for its salmon and the setting for much of the action of Iceland’s great medieval epic, Njál’s Saga.

With the highway towns of Hella or Hvolsvöllur as a base, getting out to a handful of the saga sites is straightforward enough in your own vehicle, even if you do find more in the way of associations rather than concrete remains when you arrive. A more obvious draw is Þórsmörk , a beautifully rugged highland valley only accessible by four-wheel-drive or hiking trails from Landmannalaugar and Skógar; you’re also within striking distance of the ferry to Heimaey in the Westman Islands . Ringroad buses pass through Hella and Hvolsvöllur year-round, as do additional summer services to Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar .

Njál’s Saga

Speared in the belly, Þorgrim dropped his shield, slipped, and fell off the roof. He walked back to Gizur and the rest. “ Is Gunnar at home? ”, asked Gizur, looking up. Þorgrim replied, “ You’ll have to find that out for yourself – but his spear certainly is. ” And then he fell dead.

There’s nothing to beat the laconic, hard-bitten delivery of Njál’s Saga, Iceland’s gripping tale of Viking-age clan warfare. The story centres on the life of Njál Þorgeirsson and his family, who are casually ensnared in a minor issue that somehow escalates into a frightful, fifty-year feud. Bound by their own personalities, fate, and sense of honour, nobody is able to stop the bloodshed, which ends only after the original characters – and many of their descendants – have been killed. But there’s far more to Njál’s Saga than its violence, and the tale paints a vivid picture of Iceland at what was, in some ways, an idyllic time: the power of the Alþing at Þingvellir was at its peak, and the country’s free settlers lived by their own efforts on farming and freebooting.

The tale splits into three uneven parts, beginning in the late tenth century at a point where the fate of several participants is already intertwined. Gifted with foresight and respected by all, Njál himself is often a background figure, mediating and advising rather than confronting or fighting, but his sons play a far more active role, especially the proud and ferocious Skarp-héðinn. Njál’s best friend is the heroic Gunnar Hámundarson of Hlíðarendi, whose superb martial skills and physical prowess never get in the way of his generosity or sense of justice. Balancing this nobility is the malevolent Mörð Valgarðsson, a second cousin of Gunnar’s who spends the saga’s first third plotting his downfall.

Early on in the tale Gunnar marries “Thief-eyed” Hallgerð, a thorny character who provokes a violent feud with Njál’s household. Njál and Gunnar remain friends, but Njál’s sons are drawn into the fray by the murder of their foster-father, and the cycle of payback killings begins. Mörð sees his chance, and manipulates various disreputable characters into picking fights with Gunnar, who emerges undefeated yet increasingly worn down from each confrontation. After one fight too many, Gunnar is outlawed – exiled from Iceland – but finds himself unable to leave his homeland, and is hunted down to Hlíðarendi by a posse led by Mörð and the upstanding chieftain Gizur the White. When Gunnar’s bowstring snaps during the siege, Hallgerð spitefully refuses to give him two locks of her hair to restring the weapon: “To each their own way of earning fame,” Gunnar memorably responds, and is cut down.

After an interlude describing Iceland’s conversion to Christianity in 1000, the violence sparked by Hallgerð thirty years earlier resurfaces when Njál’s sons kill her distant relative, the arrogant Þráin Sigfússon. Attempting to placate Þráin’s family, Njál adopts his son Höskuld and buys him a priesthood, and for a while all seems well. But resentment at this favouritism eats away at Njál’s sons, and, encouraged by Mörð – who, now that Gunnar is dead, has shifted his vindictive attentions to Njál – they murder Höskuld. Höskuld’s influential father-in-law Flósi of Svínafell agrees initially to a cash settlement for the murder, but Njál inadvertently offends him: confrontation is inevitable and the 80-year-old Njál, bowing to fate, retreats with his sons to his homestead Bergþórshvoll. Flósi and his men torch the building, killing all but Njal’s son-in-law Kári.

Public opinion against the burning of Njál runs so high that at the following Alþing Kári is able to confront Flósi and his allies – now known as the Burners. Mörð stirs up trouble again and a pitched battle breaks out; in the aftermath, all but Kári accept the Alþing’s conditions for peace, which banish Flósi and the Burners from Iceland until tempers have cooled. For his part, Kári swears vengeance, and the action follows his peregrinations around Europe as he hunts down his enemies. Returning to Iceland, Kári’s ship is wrecked at Ingólfshöfði off the southeast coast; walking inland through a blizzard he finds sanctuary at Svínafell and becomes reconciled with Flósi, bringing Njál’s Saga to an end.

Sæmundur and the seal

Sæmundur Sigfússon is the subject of several legends, including one in which the devil – disguised as a seal – offered to carry him back to Iceland from France so that Sæmundur could apply for the post at Oddi. When they were within sight of the shore, the resourceful Sæmundur brained the devil with a psalter, swam to safety, and got the job. Less to his credit, he’s also held responsible for causing Hekla’s 1104 eruption by tossing a keepsake from a jilted lover – who turned out to be a witch – into the volcano.

Southeast from the Þórsmörk junction, the Ringroad finds itself pinched between the coast and the Eyjafjallajökull ice cap. Though dwarfed in scale by its big sister Mýrdalsjökull immediately to the east, Eyjafjallajökull’s 1666m apex is southwestern Iceland’s highest point, and the mountain has stamped its personality on the area: an active volcano smoulders away below the ice, responsible for major eruptions in the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. In 2010 Eyjafjallajökull awoke from dormancy in a fairly small-scale event, but one in which massive clouds of ash, swept southwards by high-altitude winds, caused chaos across Europe by grounding aircraft – something that (along with listening to foreign reporters’ stumbling efforts to pronounce “Eyjafjallajökull”) created a perverse sense of pride in Iceland.

Exploring the South Coast

The base for exploring all this is the Ringroad hamlet of Skógar, with its magnificent waterfall and superb hike to Þórsmörk via a pass between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull at Fimmvörðuháls, site of the 2010 eruption. Moving down the coast, mountain ridges supporting Mýrdalsjökull – and occasional outlying glaciers, such as Sólheimajökull – intrude further and further towards the sea, finally reaching it around Iceland’s southernmost tip, Dyrhólaey, where they form impressively sculpted cliffs, home to innumerable seabirds. Past Dyrhólaey, the sleepy village of Vík has black-sand beaches, more birds and some easy walks, and marks the beginning of the long cross-desert run into southeastern Iceland.

Sights on the South Coast

The shoreline stretches from Reykjavik to Jökulsarlon glacier lagoon with plenty of natural sights and wildlife spottings along the way. The Route 1 highway allows for easy accessibility, therefore, making it popular for those exploring Iceland.

The South Coast of Iceland is well-known for its numerous species of birds, particularly those who nest through all seasons. Keep an eye out on the coastline for seals, whales and dolphins.

Beneath the spectacular Eyjafjallajökull sit waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Large in size and roaring loud with rushing water, the waterfalls are a great stop and the most recognised falls on the South Coast.

DC-3 Plane Wreck

On the black sandy beach of Sólheimasandur sits the abandoned DC-3 plane wreck belonging to the US Navy that crashed in 1973. Eerily quiet and mysterious, visiting the wreck at the right time has a movie-like sci-fi effect.

Mýrdalsjökull activities

Both Mountain Guides and Arcanum run 1–3hr ice-walking and climbing excursions through the summer at Sólheimajökull; contact them in advance for details. You don’t need prior experience and they supply crampons and ice axes. Arcanum also offers snowmobile trips across the upper heights of Mýrdalsjökull from Sólheimskáli, a mountain hut 10km inland off the Ringroad along the rough gravel Route 222. Call ahead if you need a pickup from anywhere between Reykjavík and Vík, though this will add considerably to the price.

The Skógar–Þórsmörk trail

The 25km hiking trail from Skógar, over the Fimmvörðuháls pass between the Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull ice caps, then down the other side to Þórsmörk, offers spectacular views and traverses lava from the 2010 eruption at Eyjafjallajökull. Although it’s feasible to do the whole thing in under ten hours, many people spread the trip over two days, overnighting at one of the two mountain huts en route, for which bookings are essential. The trail is usually passable without equipment from around mid-June to September; outside these times you’ll probably need an ice axe to cut steps during the descent to Þórsmörk, and possibly crampons. Whatever the time of year, come prepared for possible rain and snow, poor visibility and cold; the track is easy to follow in clear weather, but play safe and carry a compass and Mál og menning’s Landmannalaugar-Þórsmörk-Fjallabak map.

The trail starts by taking the staircase up Skógarfoss, then follows the river uphill over a muddy, shaly heath carpeted by thick patches of moss. There are many small waterfalls along the way, each of them unique: some twist through contorted gorges, others drop in a single narrow sheet, bore tunnels through obstructive rocks, or rush smoothly over broad, rocky beds. Around 8km along you cross a bridge and leave most of the vegetation behind for a dark, rocky plain flanked by the smooth contours of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. It’s another hour from here, following marker poles across gravel and snowfields, to the recently refurbished Baldvinsskali hut (5000kr). Alternatively, push on for another forty minutes to the larger second hut, Fimmvörðuskáli (893 4910; 5500kr), actually just west off the main trail.

From here you’re halfway along and crossing Fimmvörðuháls (1043m), the flat pass in between the two glaciers; there’s a pale blue tarn and then a gentle ascent to where the path weaves around and over the rough lavafields created in 2010. You end up at the top of a slope with a fantastic vista of Þórsmörk laid out below, Mýrdalsjökull’s icy outrunners hemming in the view to the east. The slope is snow-covered well into the summer and the quickest way down is to cautiously slide it on your backside, using your feet as brakes. This brings you to Heljarkambur, a narrow, 50m traverse with a vertical rockface rising on one side and a steep snowfield dropping 75m on the other; winds here can be appalling. At the far end is the flat, muddy gravel plateau of Morinsheiði: look at where steaming new lava is dispersing the glacier edge in a noisy waterfall at the neck with Heljarkambur. Cross the plateau and it’s a straightforward descent to Þórsmörk (though the short, knife-edge “Cat’s Spine” ridge can be nervous work, despite a helpful chain) and the Básar hut.

Top image: Seljalandsfoss waterfall © Nido Huebl/Shutterstock

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North-america, middle east, top 10 things to do in southwest iceland – highlights and tips, suitcase stories, travel tips, where to stay, suitcase stories, digital nomad, iceland , the magical island known as the land of fire and ice. it's the land of thunderous waterfalls, lush green valleys, and scenic mountains with breathtaking views. it's completely logical that iceland is high on the bucket list for so many travelers. we were also deeply impressed by the natural beauty of iceland during our road trip. but what are the most important things to see and do in southwest iceland.

Things to do in Southwest Iceland , we know a thing or two (actually 10) about that. We’ve been to this majestic and scenery area in Iceland and we know exactly where you need to go. Follow our lead and your trip to West Iceland will be unforgettable!

A day of strolling in colorful Reykjavik

There only live about 300,000 people in Iceland. In the main city of Reykjavik, it's just 122,000 people . This makes it feel like a peaceful community with all sorts of colorful houses, cozy apartments, and hip restaurants and shops. The city center is not that exhilarating, so don't expect some impressive world city here. But it is fun, laidback, and cozy though, its definitely worth a visit for about two to three days tops!

You can enjoy a nice day of shopping, strolling around, lunching, beer-drinking, and some fun sightseeing. The most famous tourist attractions are the Hallgrímskirkja (a beautiful unique church), the Harpa-concert building (futuristic design), the world-famous hotdog stand ( it wasn't that good, to be honest… ), and the Sun Voyager (and cool art piece made for the former Vikings). In the far distance, we already saw the first green mountains. The adventure was waiting for us!

Visit the Gullfoss waterfall, the biggest waterfall in Europe!

Gullfoss is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland and the largest in Europe. The waterfall is part of the Golden Circle and is easy to visit. It is a very wide waterfall and is located on the Hvítá (White River). The entire waterfall is about 32 meters deep and provides an impressive view and thunderous sound!

You park your car in the large parking lot at the restaurant with a souvenir shop. Then you walk along the path towards the waterfall. You can view the entire waterfall from a distance, but you can also continue up the trail to get closer. Please note that it can be slippery in some places due to the water!

The closer you are to the waterfall, the more sprinkling water you will notice. So bring a rain suit, especially when there is a lot of wind! Because of the spray water you often see rainbows at this waterfall, which makes the already impressive view even more magical.

If you are also looking for great accommodation in Iceland , be sure to check out our recommendations!

Marvel at the active geysers Geysir and Strokkur

The geysers Geysir and Strokkur are located in a geothermal very active area and are also part of the Golden Circle. Geysir comes from Gjosa, which means “spraying”. Unfortunately, Geysir is not that active anymore, about every 20 minutes there is a small eruption. But Strokkur or “churn” which is located a few meters from the Geysir is more active and sprays its water about 20 meters every 5 to 8 minutes.

Every eruption is received with amazement from its bystanders. The eruption is very fast and the geysers have no omens when it happens. It's a welcome surprise every time.

So be patient during your visit and plan enough time to wait for an eruption. While waiting you can also admire the hot springs in the immediate vicinity. These are filled with boiling clear blue water caused by silicates.

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Beautiful Thingvellir National Park: see the gap between two continents

Thingvellir ( Þingvellir ) is a popular national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site . In Thingvellir National Park in Iceland, you will find the division between the North American (northwest of the division) and the Eurasian continent (southeast of the fault line). Due to the movement of these tectonic plates, about 2-4 cm per year, a beautiful nature reserve has developed around it, from a waterfall and heaps of solidified lava to deep gorges filled with crystal clear water, you will find it all, culminating in Almannagjá: a huge canyon that cuts through the national park.

You can enjoy a walk through this beautiful area. You have several beautiful viewpoints, especially a fantastic view over the large Thingvallavatn lake.

In addition, this place also has a lot of Icelandic history. This is where the Icelandic parliament was founded in the year 930, the so-called Althing (Alþing). A meeting was held here every summer, bringing farmers, landowners, and merchants together to pass new laws, discuss crimes, carry out executions, and conduct business, among other things.

At the start of the tour, you'll find an information center and plenty of public toilets. At the information center, you have four campsites where you can camp and a shop where you can buy drinks and snacks. Parking here costs about $ 5 and entrance is free. You should definitely not miss this nature park during your visit to the Golden Circle.

See the mystical view of the iconic church of the village Vík.

On the hill of the small village of Vík, there is a beautiful red/white church, the Víkurkirkja. It was built between 1932 and 1934 and is open to the public. And especially the view from the higher hill to the church with the village and the sea in the background is very iconic and stunning!

Off the coast in the sea lies Reynisdrangar , these are black basalt columns about 66 meters high. They are thought to be trolls who were surprised by the first rays of the sun when they tried to pull a ship ashore.

The village of Vík is quite small. There are a larger supermarket and a few restaurants. It is the southernmost tip of Iceland and it also has the most rainfall in all of Iceland. But rain or shine there is plenty to see and do in and around Vík. You can easily drive yourself to this most southern point of Iceland if you make a road trip in West Iceland and that is why this is one of the things to do in West Iceland.

Game of Thrones at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

These impressive black beaches are very typical of Iceland. Years ago, a volcano erupted and lava flowed into the sea. The cold seawater cooled the lava and formed black pebbles that washed up again and formed these black beaches. The sand is therefore not fine but consists of very small to larger pebbles.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach belongs to the town of Vík. On the beach, you can also see the impressive and mysterious  Reynisdrangar in the water. A magical view to say the least!

Along the beach, you will find special rock formations called Gardar . It is a stone cliff that consists of stone columns. This formation consists of basalt and is a natural phenomenon caused by lava. Due to the volcano eruption, the lava flowed down this basalt coast. And when the lava cools, the basalt can crack and break down. That happened here and is the cause of these beautiful columns. It's like walking around in a set of Game Of Thrones (and they actually filmed a big scene right here, so you are factually walking around in a GOT-scene! ).

The beach is definitely not intended for swimming or surfing here. It is known for its Sneaker Waves . The waves are incredibly strong and unpredictable. And the wind also blows very hard here. Tourists here are regularly attacked by waves that unexpectedly go further up the beach and take/grab you into the strong sea, which could cause you to drown. So uphold sufficient distance from the water!

Gaze at the impressive clumps of ice at Diamond Beach

Just past Vík, you will find Diamond Beach or Glacier Lagoon. It's actually just a little further to the south-east, but because this is such an unimaginably beautiful place, it's really worth the drive here. For us, this was the furthest point of our road trip and from here we drove back to Reyjavik.

It is the largest glacier lake in Iceland. And as the name suggests, it looks like there are diamond blocks in the water and washing up on the black beach. Pieces of ice break off the glaciers into different sizes. Some are immense and others can be picked up in your hand ( spoiler alert: it's colddddd! ). Some are transparent and clear in color and others are blue/white.

The whole area is like a living work of art with incredible beautiful images of ice, water, sun, and with a bit of luck, there are also happy seals swimming in between. You can also book a tour to ride a rubber boat between these ice floes to see everything from up close.

Car rentals can be found for a great price at Rentalcars.com . Road trip!

Check out a real crashed plane, the DC3 plane wreck

In November 1973, the United States Navy's DC-3 aircraft made an emergency landing on the black beach of Sólheimasandur near the town of Vík, in South Iceland.

The cause of the emergency landing has never become clear. Fortunately, all occupants survived the crash. The plane wreckage was never removed, so many years later you can still admire it in the vast volcanic area of black pebbles. You can walk to it from the parking lot for free, which takes about half an hour (which is a long walk when the weather's kinda wild). Or for $ 4 you can be brought there and picked up again within 10 minutes by some huge truck.

It's an incredibly popular attraction, so be prepared for a lot of crowds or go as early or late as possible. You can also look inside the plane which is very impressive because the plane has been so damaged. You can also stand on the wing to take a cool photo of the plane that crashed in this rugged and black volcanic region of Iceland.

And if you're lucky, you might even catch a rainbow! 🙂

Visit Skogafoss and Kvernufoss

The Skógafoss is a 60 meter high and 25-meter wide waterfall in the south-west of Iceland. You can view this beautiful waterfall from the ground, but also from the top. There is a walking path up to the waterfall. Also, there is a camping site a 1-minute walk away, so you can visit the waterfall early in de morning before it will get crowded.

The Kvernufoss waterfall is definitely a lesser-known waterfall in West Iceland, but our absolute number one. And it is very close to Skogafoss, a 5 min drive away.

This is a special waterfall because you can stand behind it and feel the force of the water running down. Also, its environment looks like a scene from the Lord of the Rings (very photogenic!). And because this waterfall is less known, you can enjoy the experience in peace.

Enjoy the warm river, the Reykjadalur hot spring.

When in Iceland, you have to hike through its majestic and colorful valleys. And we have found the most beautiful one: towards the Reykjadalur hot spring!

The name of the valley where you can make this amazing hike is Reykjadalur, meaning Steam Valley. You will understand why it has its name when you see the valley, especially after rain or with cold weather. The Valley is filled with hot springs, waterfalls, and mud pools. These give off their heat in cold weather using steam. That makes the beautiful landscape even more mysterious to walk through. At the end of the 2 hours walk, you will find the highlight of it all: the warm river where you can swim in!

Reykjadalur is a lesser-known attraction of Iceland. Which is weird, because it is a very unique experience, chilling in a warm river in the middle of the mighty nature of Iceland! Also, the hike towards it is one of the most beautiful, perhaps  THE most beautiful hike we have ever taken !

If you are in Iceland this should be on your bucket list! For us, it was one of the highlights of our road trip through West Iceland. Here we tell more about the Reykjadulur hot spring.

Just driving around is a treat

Besides all these things you can do in West Iceland, you will especially enjoy the views during your hikes and while driving in the car. The nature in Iceland is grand, mighty, and varies quite often. There is more than enough to gawk at while just driving around!

We did a 5-day road trip across Southwest Iceland and loved every minute of it. Check this article out if you want to know more about our costs, itinerary, and recommendations.

“Every 15 minutes you would be shocked how fast the landscape changed. It was like driving through Scotland, then Canada, then America (especially Texas), then Switzerland and then New-Zealand. It was like they put the beauty of all these countries in a blender to form Iceland! It was just one big movie set! It was like driving through Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings…”

We can't wait to go back and even see more of this magical island. A two-week roundtrip across the whole island is high on our bucket list!

There are many more things to do in southwest Iceland. Consider a guide to show you the way around this magical place!

More Travel Inspiration:  The daylight and sunshine hours in Iceland; an overview per month

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• Things to do in Southwest Iceland: your personalized tour guide
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By Márcia Neves and David Szmidt November 5, 2021

By Márcia Neves and David Szmidt | November 5, 2021

Last update: September 5, 2022

Using Kiwi.com’s Where Next? social media game, our users built their very own personalized tour guide of Iceland, giving suggestions and their own tips, and deciding on things to do and see!

For some years now, Iceland has been a very popular place to go, and yet, despite the fact that all and sundry on your Instagram feed seems to be hanging out in hot springs or wandering by waterfalls, it still feels like a strange and distant land.

This might be because it is – after all, it’s closer to Greenland than anywhere else. The nearest capital city to Reykjavík is, oddly, Edinburgh , and that’s still 850-odd miles away. The commonly-held notion that not even trees can survive there is a myth, but it seems like it could be true, you know? With this detailed travel guide, we want to give you an insight into all the fun and adventurous things you can do in Southwest Iceland.

Your very own Reykjavík city tour

For a capital, Reykjavík is oddly small and can be seen in less than a day. The city is vibrant and cute with many great sights to see.

In about half an hour, you can see all of downtown Reykjavík. From the old harbor — which is the main port of departure for whale and puffin watching tours, as well as Northern Lights cruises — walk to Harpa Music Hall, Tjörnin Pond and Hallgrimskirkja Church , Reykjavík’s most iconic structure. It’s this Middle Earth-esque church, spearing upwards in a combination of elegance and strength. Construction on Hallgrímskirkja began in 1945, but it wasn’t actually completed until 1986. The interior is pretty minimalist, but it has a glorious organ (there are frequent concerts performed), and if you feel like paying the equivalent of $15, you can climb to the top of the tower for views over the city.

If you’re up for a geography lesson , the Perlan — Wonders of Iceland museum , as the name suggests, is all about Iceland’s natural wonders. From ice caves to volcanos, you’ll learn about it all here. Alternatively, skip the museum if you want, and head up to the free viewing platform. Perlan is located on a hill from which you get a breathtaking view over Reykjavík and the surrounding mountains. For a quick treat, lounge about the café inside and enjoy some breakfast , with or without a comforting cup of hot chocolate.

On the hunt for the Northern Lights

Aurora borealis (or the Northern Lights) is one of the most amazing phenomena you’re ever likely to encounter, and Iceland is one of the finest spots in which to witness it. You’ll have the best chance of catching a light show when the nights are darkest — from the end of September to early April. If you spot a lot of solar activity and clear skies during the day, your chances double.

To see such a natural wonder, you also have to venture far from light pollution. A great place within the city limits of Reykjavík is around Grótta Island Lighthouse — just make sure to park in the parking lot in front of the island and stay there. If you go all the way to the lighthouse, the tide may come in and you’ll be stranded there until the next day. Two more great spots are Kleifarvatn lake and Þingvellir National Park, just 30 kilometers outside of Reykjavík. The Perlan viewing platform and the square in front of Hallgrímskirkja Church are also ideal, but only throughout December and January .

Generally speaking, the farther out of the city you go, the better. You can see the Northern Lights from almost anywhere in Iceland if the weather conditions are right.

Your taste of adventure around Iceland’s Southwest

Mighty waterfalls and volcanic hot springs

Waterfalls in Iceland aren’t just waterfalls; they’re almost an almighty presence that consumes you. It’s hard to put the feeling of standing next to Skógafoss into words — it’s a very powerful waterfall with a soft side and magical side, created by the ever-present rainbow. If you hike up the steps to the top, you can see it from above and explore the landscape even further. For some reason, it has a Noah’s Ark vibe. I can’t explain why.

Two hours away from Reykjavík, you’ll be able to see Seljandsfoss from the road and right next to it, the smaller Gjiúfrabúi. If possible, you should venture behind the waterfalls to get an interesting alternative view.

On the topic of wonderful water features, the Seljavallalaug hot springs are a must if you’re close by. To get there from Seljandsfoss, you should drive along the ring road (1) and turn onto road 242 (Raufarfell) — the first left after Þorvaldseyri, home to an exhibition on the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull . Continue along the 242 until you see the sign for Seljavellir, then walk along the beaten path for about 20 minutes and across the narrow river. The thermal pool is nestled there, well-hidden behind a small hill.

(In)active volcanoes, black sand and iceberg beaches

Fagradalsfjall, the volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula southwest of the Icelandic capital, began to spit lava on March 19, 2021. Eight months later, and it’s still active. With its steady flow and spray of lava reminiscent of a geyser, Fagradalsfjall is currently the most visited tourist attraction in the Nordic island state. This natural spectacle has already attracted hundreds of thousands of onlookers, and if you happen to be driving south of Reykjavík, you should stop by too.

On the southernmost tip of Iceland lies the sleepy seaside town of Vík í Mýrdal. This windy fishing village is close to the Reynisfjara black sand beach , with its famous basalt columns formed of solidified lava. Head up to Dyrhólaey lighthouse for a great view of the waves crashing on the beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try riding them.

Close to this black sand beach is the Sólheimasandur airplane wreck . The walk there feels endless because the scenery around you doesn’t change — it’s like you’re in a desert, just a black and windy one. Although the plane wreck is a popular attraction, not many people know the extent of what happened here. In 1973, a United States Navy DC plane crash-landed on the black beach of Sólheimasandur. Everyone survived the impact, but until this day, it’s not clear what caused the crash. Some say that the plane ran out of fuel, others believe it was a storm, and others think it was a technical malfunction — or it could have been a combination of all three.

Two and half hours east of Vík í Mýrdal is the Jokulsárlón iceberg beach. The icebergs are about 1000 years old and every year, around 100 meters of ice breaks away from them. We recommend booking guided tours to see the inside of the glaciers and the icebergs — it’s quite a breathtaking experience.

The Golden Circle: spraying geysers, not-so-secret hot springs, and cracks in the earth

Þingvellir National Park is located in a rift zone that was created by two continental plates slowly drifting apart. This crack in the earth is called the Silfra fissure, and if you ever wanted to be in two places at the same time, now’s your chance. If you go diving in the Silfra fissure, you can touch both the North American and the Eurasian tectonic plates, and effectively be in two continents at once.

Iceland’s Great Geysir is a gush of boiling hot water from a crack in the earth, emitted almost every half an hour. It’s quite a show (despite the overpowering sulfurous smell) — lots of people enjoy watching the earth let off some steam. Right next to the Geysir is the fabulous Gullfoss waterfall,  gull meaning ‘golden’ — from which the Golden Circle derives its name. The water cascades down from two points: one is 11 meters high, the other 21 meters high.

@kiwi.com @Sabina | travel + food got a cheap travel hack you didn’t even know you needed: http://Kiwi.com Anytime search ✈️ = 💰saved #iceland #icelandtravel #icelandtrip #budgettravel #traveltiktok #traveltheworld #budgettraveler #travelblogger #cheaptravel #travelhack ♬ FEEL THE GROOVE – Queens Road, Fabian Graetz

There are several tour companies that offer a bewildering variety of itineraries, differing in length, price, number of detours and featured stops. A basic tour of three locations in Southwest Iceland — Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area and the Gullfoss waterfall — will take around six hours. Whichever way you decide to do it, though, it’s worth rounding off your trip at the Gamla Laugin Secret Lagoon (which is no longer so secret). These hot springs aren’t free to enter, so it’s advisable to book tickets in advance in order to avoid the lines.

Did you like this article? For more travel inspiration, visit the website Kiwi.com Stories .

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Márcia Neves

Márcia is the digital content manager at Kiwi.com. Her guilty pleasures are reading young adult books and watching dogs play at the dog park.

David Szmidt

David is a lead writer for Kiwi.com, as well as a football-watcher, music-listener and beer-appreciater. @UtterBlether

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Iceland Travel Guide - What To See - South West

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The Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a bathing area that came into existence in 1976 by accident, in the middle of a vast lava field, as a result of operations in a geo...

Lake Kleifarvatn

Lake Kleifarvatn is the largest lake on Reykjanes Peninsula, which is a part of the Reykjanesfólkvangur Nature Reserve, established in 1975 and is a ...

Gullfoss Waterfall

Gullfoss Waterfall is one of Iceland’s most majestic waterfalls, plunging down 32 meters into the Hvítá river canyon below in two stages. As one of Ic...

Geysir Geothermal Area

The Geysir Geothermal Area is one of the main attractions in a popular route called the Golden Circle, and is named after the biggest geyser in the ar...

Selfoss Town

Selfoss Town is a comparatively large town in Southwest Iceland where all major services can be found (post office, grocery shop, swimming pool, bank...

Hveragerði Town

Hveragerði town is sometimes called the greenhouse community of Iceland. It is situated on a very geothermal area with boiling hot springs in the hill...

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss Waterfall is a spectacular waterfall in Southwest Iceland and of the best known waterfalls in Iceland, as well as also being one of the...

Skógafoss Waterfall

Skógafoss and the Museum Skógafoss Waterfall is breathtaking, falling from a cliff that was once Iceland´s coastline. The waterfa...

Seljavallalaug Swiming Pool

Seljavallalaug is a rather hidden swimming pool located just east of Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, at the foot of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull glacier an...

Kerið is a staggering circular shaped volcanic crater that is 270 meters long, 170 meter wide, and 55 meters deep with a pond at the bottom that is 7–...

Þingvellir National Park

Þingvellir ( Thingvellir ) National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Þingvellir National Park is a unique place from a geological point of view. ...

Vík and Reynisfjara Black Beach Vík is a charming small town by the black beaches on the southernmost coast of Iceland´s mainland....

Reynisfjara Beach

Reynisfjara Beach is a beach like no other with black sands and mesmerizing rock formations. It is located a short distance west of the village Vík, t...

Hella is a small town in South Iceland at the shore of Ytri Rangá river, with about 900 inhabitants and is one of few towns in Iceland not located by...

Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve

Dyrhólaey promontory is 120 meters high and has been a natural reserve since 1978 due to the unique formation and bird life. It is located on the sout...

Laugarvatn is a small village in South of Iceland, sitting on the Golden Circle route that has been a very popular camping place for years and was fo...

Eyjafjallajökull Glacier

The Eruption The infamous Eyjafjallajökull glacier is very well known after the eruption in 2010 when most of the Europe´s air tra...

Faxi Waterfall

Faxi waterfall is situated on the Tungufljót river, not far to the south from Geysir, only some 10 km. The waterfall is not very high, only about 7 me...

Krýsuvík Geothermal Area

Krýsuvík geothermal area is located in Seltún at Reykjanes peninsula, about 45 minutes drive from Reykjavík. It is a popular recreational destination ...

Grindavík Town

Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon The Town of Grindavík, with about 3300 inhabitants is located on the south coast of Reykjanes penins...

Reykjanes Peninsula

Reykjanes Peninsula is covered in lava fields, therefore it´s known for the lunar landscape and black sand beaches. You can find truly amazing nature ...

Sólheimajökull Glacier

Sólheimajökull is an outlet glacier of the much larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. It is approx. 8km long and 1 to 2 km wide. However, it has in recent yea...

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Þjórsárdalur Valley

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Gjáin Ravine is simply a perfect place to take a walk, relax and forget about the rest of the world. It is truly an oasis in the ...

Bridge between two continents

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Gunnuhver hot springs

The hot spring area is named after a female ghost named Gunna. A 400 year old legend says she caused a lot of disturbance in the area, until a priest ...

Brúarhlöð canyon

Even though Brúarhlöð Canyon is located close to the famous Golden Circle, it´s often missed by visitors. The canyon is carved and shaped by the power...

Hvolsvöllur

Hvolsvöllur is a small town in South West Iceland, located just over 100 kilometers from Reykjavík. It reached a population of 1000 in the year 2020 ...

Gljúfrabúi Waterfall

Gljúfrabúi (or Canyon Dweller) is a beautiful hidden waterfall inside a gorge next to the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall...

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Fagradalsfjall Volcano

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Brimketill is a small, naturally carved pool, by marine erosion, at the lava shore edge west of the town of Grindavík. It also has another na...

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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Iceland with helpful guides and tips!

South Coast Of Iceland: 20 Top Attractions + Map!

December 3, 2023 //  by  Iceland Trippers //   Leave a Comment

There are so many incredible south Iceland activities including walking behind Seljalandsfoss, hiking to Reykjadalur Hot Springs, and visiting the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon!

Road-tripping through the south of Iceland is great for any time of year. Be sure to check the road conditions , but unlike more remote parts of Iceland, the roads along the South Coast tend to stay open almost all year long. With a few exceptions, the big tourist draws are just off the side of the road, making them easily accessible!

Now let’s see where to go in South Iceland!

Get a FREE printable “Hidden Gems In Iceland” E-book by joining our private  Iceland Facebook Group  and sharing your photos and asking for tips and tricks.

Southern Iceland Map Attractions

Sometimes it is helpful to have all of the suggestions in one place! As a result, I created this handy-dandy map of South Iceland attractions which features of all the locations in one place.

My pro-tip to you would be to download the Google Maps app and then make sure to download our map of best things to do in South Iceland offline so that you have it easily accessible when you are on the go exploring the country.

Click Here For The Google Map Locations!

Best Iceland South Coast Tours

Unless you rent a car, the only way to see South Iceland is by booking a tour . You can easily do a day tour from Reykjavik. This is a great way to get an introduction to this amazing region. If you need more time to explore, consider booking a multi-day tour. Letting a knowledgeable guide take over will reduce the stress of deciding what to do in South Iceland.

South Coast Classic: Full-Day Tour from Reykjavik

From Reykjavík: South Coast Day Trip with Glacier Hike

South Coast, Glacier Hike and Northern Lights Winter Tour

Iceland: 2 Day Trip Along South Coast

20 Best Things To Do In South Iceland You Shouldn’t Miss

Seljalandsfoss.

The 200-foot Seljalandsfoss waterfall is right off Route 1 (Ring Road) on the South Coast of Iceland. There is no hiking required to see this waterfall. It is just a short walk from the parking lot.

Though Iceland is graced with an endless display of stunning waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss’ unique quality is it is possible to walk behind the waterfall.

A path leads from the parking lot to the front of the waterfall and then loops around the back so you get a view of the waterfall from every angle.

We suggest wearing rain gear, as you’ll likely get a little wet, particularly on a windy day.

Seljalandsfoss Tips

• Walk Behind the Waterfall : Experience the unique opportunity to walk behind the falls. Wear a waterproof jacket as you will get wet.
• Best Viewing Times : Go either early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
• Nearby Hidden Gem : Check out Gljúfrabúi, a nearby lesser-known waterfall within walking distance, tucked away in a small canyon.
• Prepare for Wet Conditions : The area around the waterfall can be slippery, so wear sturdy, waterproof footwear for safety.

Gljufabui is often overlooked as it is slightly hidden and is smaller than its towering neighbor, Seljalandsfoss. But since Gljufrabui is within walking distance of Seljalandsfoss, you do not want to miss out on this South Coast hidden gem.

After Seljalandsfoss, head to the right (if you’re facing the parking lot), and walk to the campgrounds until you see a sign for the waterfall and a cavern with a river. To get to the waterfall, you’ll have to walk through the river, so be prepared with waterproof boots or a change of shoes.

Once inside, you’ll be greeted with a beautiful waterfall that looks as if it’s pouring through a skylight in nature’s ceiling. There’s a giant boulder in the middle of the cavern, which is easy to climb and perfect for taking pictures.

Gljufrabui Tips

• Hidden Gem : Gljúfrabúi is less known and often less crowded than nearby Seljalandsfoss, offering a more secluded experience.
• Access Through a Canyon : To fully view the waterfall, you’ll need to walk through a narrow canyon. Waterproof shoes are essential.
• Prepare to Get Wet : The enclosed nature of the waterfall means more spray, so wearing waterproof clothing is recommended
• Photography Inside the Canyon : For photographers, capturing the falls inside the canyon can be challenging but rewarding. Protect your camera from water spray.

Located in Southern Iceland a little further down the coast, Skogafoss is just a 25-minute drive from Seljalandsfoss and Gljufrabrui. You will quickly see why this is one of the best things to do in south Iceland!

The Skoga River flows along a wide, pebbled path leading right up to the waterfall. The path is flat and easy to walk. The waterfall is forceful, and you will get unrelentingly sprayed as you approach it.

You might even see a rainbow on a sunny day, adding its finishing touch to an already stunning waterfall.

You can climb steps to view Skogafoss from above. There are a little over 500 stairs to get to the top!

At the top, there is a hiking trail that follows the Skoga River back into the valley, and it’s filled with additional waterfalls if you’re up for a long, extended day hike.

Skogafoss Tips

• Best Time to Visit : Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and for better photography lighting.
• Appropriate Footwear : Wear waterproof and sturdy shoes, as the area can be slippery and wet.
• Explore Beyond the Base : Climb the staircase to the top of the waterfall for a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
• Nearby Camping : There’s a camping ground close to the waterfall, offering a great spot for those who want to stay overnight.

Right next door to Skogafoss is the waterfall Kvernufoss . This is one of South Iceland’s less frequented gems. Fewer tourists know of its existence, but it’s certainly not lacking in beauty.

To get to Kvernufoss, you’ll take the same exit off the Ring Road for Skogafoss, but instead of following the signs to the left for Skogafoss, continue straight down Skogar to the end of the road and turn right.

You’ll park near Hotel Edda and climb a short ladder over a fence into the valley. It takes about 10-15 minutes to reach Kvernufoss. The walk is comfortable, requiring very little in the way of elevation gain or rocky terrain.

The path ends right up alongside the waterfall and provides you with plenty of excellent viewing spots. And like Seljalandsfoss, you can even walk behind it!

Though the path is easily navigated in the summer months, in the winter, it is often covered in ice and can be dangerous. Bring crampons to stabilize your feet on the slippery ground and exercise caution.

Kvernufoss Tips

• Off the Beaten Path : Kvernufoss, located near Skógar, is less crowded than its famous neighbor Skogafoss, offering a more tranquil experience.
• Hiking Trail : Access the waterfall via a short, scenic hike (about 20 minutes one way) through a gorge. The trail is relatively easy but can be slippery.
• Opportunity to Walk Behind : Like Seljalandsfoss, Kvernufoss offers the chance to walk behind the waterfall, a unique and picturesque experience.
• Photography Tips : The natural scenery and lesser foot traffic make it an excellent spot for photography. Morning or late afternoon light is ideal.

Right on the edge of the highlands in South Iceland sits Haifoss, an impressive 400-foot waterfall. It is one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland. Haifoss thunders down right next to its partner waterfall, Granni (which translates to neighbor).

It is possible to hike down to the falls if you have the time, but the view from the top is incredible and easily accessible from the parking lot.

In winter, Haifoss is usually inaccessible unless you are driving there in buses or jeeps designed for winter weather and icy gravel roads. Don’t attempt the drive unless you are in an appropriate vehicle. Even in summer, the gravel roads are rocky and full of potholes and require slow driving.

Haifoss Tips

• Spectacular Height : Háifoss is one of Iceland’s tallest waterfalls, plunging about 122 meters into a dramatic canyon, offering stunning views.
• Rough Access Road : The road to Háifoss is gravel and can be rough, so a 4×4 vehicle is recommended, especially outside of the summer months.
• Weather Considerations : The area can be windy and cold, even in summer. Dress in layers and bring windproof clothing.
• No Facilities Nearby : This is a remote location with no facilities, so bring your own food, water, and any necessary supplies.

The Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is one of Iceland’s most famous and heavily trafficked tourist routes, and for good reason.

This South Iceland road trip hits three major stops; Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Strokkur Geyser. Other stops such as Kerid Crater and the Secret Lagoon can be added to your Golden Circle itinerary as well.

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Iceland’s first parliament was formed back in 930 AD. It is also the site of a giant rift valley that marks the meeting of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Strokkur is an amazing geyser that erupts at 5-7 minute intervals. Crowds of tourists gather around Strokkur in anticipation of its burst of water and steam shooting up into the air.

This South Iceland road trip is completed with a trip to Gullfoss Waterfall . In the summer months, it is common to see a rainbow arching over the waterfall.

Though south coast Iceland spoils you with an abnormally large number of impressive waterfalls, Gullfoss is rightfully among the top. The waterfall has both upper and lower viewing platforms, and we suggest spending some time at both.

The Golden Circle Tips

• Thingvellir National Park : A UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its geological significance and historical importance as the site of Iceland’s first parliament.
• Geysir Geothermal Area : Witness the Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes. The area is also home to numerous hot springs and mud pots.
• Gullfoss Waterfall : A powerful and picturesque waterfall, Gullfoss is one of Iceland’s most iconic and accessible waterfalls. Accessibility and Facilities : The Golden Circle is easily accessible from Reykjavik and well-equipped with visitor facilities, making it ideal for a day trip.

Reykjadalur Hot Springs

If you’ve ever wanted to bathe in a hot river right in the middle of nature, you should make Reykjadalur Hot Springs a part of your South Coast itinerary.

Just 45 minutes from Reykjavik, Reykjadalur Hot Springs is the perfect day trip from the capital. The well-maintained trail to the hot springs is roughly 45 minutes to an hour and is easy to moderate with steep sections.

When you reach the part of the river that is safe for bathing, you can change on a wooden platform with partitions. Privacy is lacking, so be aware.

Arrive in the early morning or late evening (when you can enjoy the midnight sun) to avoid the biggest crowds. There is nothing quite like bathing in a river surrounded by stunning nature, and you’ll no doubt be glad you made this stop to kick off or end your South Iceland road trip.

Reykjadalur Tips

• Hiking Required : Prepare for a moderately challenging hike of about 3 km (1.9 miles) each way. The path is well-marked but can be steep in places.
• Bring Bathing Suits and Towels : Don’t forget your swimsuit and a towel for the hot springs, along with a waterproof bag for your belongings.
• No Changing Facilities : Change into your swimwear before the hike or be prepared to change outdoors, as there are no formal changing facilities.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

One of the more famous stops along Iceland’s South Coast is Reynisfjara Beach , known for its signature black sand and towering basalt columns. This beach is among Iceland’s most impressive black sand beaches and was even featured in the TV show Game of Thrones .

There are so many incredible spots along the beach to enjoy, and one of the top things to do in southern Iceland. However, you should be aware that the beach is developing a reputation for its large sleeper waves. Be aware and don’t get too close to the water.

There is an impressive collection of rock formations, including a cliff of basalt columns that seem to rise out of the sand. This is a prime photography location, and you’ll see many tourists climbing the uneven columns to pose for a picture. This is truly one of the best things to do in Vik!

Reynisfjara Tips

• Beware of Sneaker Waves : The beach is known for its unpredictable and potentially dangerous waves. Stay well back from the water and never turn your back to the sea.
• Basalt Columns and Caves : Explore the striking basalt columns and caves, but be cautious of the tide and waves when near them.
• Dress for Windy Conditions : Reynisfjara is often windy, so wear windproof clothing and be prepared for chilly conditions, even in summer.
• Parking and Facilities : There is a parking area close to the beach, with restroom facilities available. A café is also nearby for refreshments.

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Though the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a 5-hour drive from Reykjavik, it is well worth the trip. This is one of the top southern Iceland attractions and is so vastly different from anything else you’ll have seen along the rest of the coast. Located in the east part of South Iceland, Jorkulsarlon is a stunning lagoon filled with floating icebergs.

The lagoon is ever-changing as the surrounding glacier continues to melt, and new ice blocks fall. During the summer, you can take a boat tour through the lagoon and get an up-close view of the icebergs.

Across the street is a black sand beach called Diamond Beach. It sets itself apart from other black sand beaches like Reynisfjara Beach because the entire beach is covered in clear, sparkling ice.

The contrast of the black sand against the clear ice is striking and makes for some powerful photographs.

Jokulsarlon Tips

• Boat Tours : Consider taking a boat tour to get up close to the icebergs. Zodiac tours offer a more adventurous experience, while amphibian boats are more stable and family-friendly.
• Wildlife Spotting : Keep an eye out for seals, which are often seen lounging on the icebergs or swimming in the lagoon.
• Photography Opportunities : The lagoon offers stunning photo opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light is softer.
• Dress Warmly : Even in summer, it can be chilly near the glacier, so dress in warm layers and bring a waterproof jacket.

Solheimasandur Plane Wreck

This popular South Iceland tourist destination is the result of a DC-3 U.S. Navy plane running out of fuel and crashing on Solheimasandur Beach in 1973.

Fortunately, everyone survived, but the body of the plane was abandoned, making it one of the best places to see in South Iceland. The parking lot to access the plane wreck is only 10-minutes down the South Coast Ring Road from Skogafoss Waterfall.

On the Ring Road, you’ll come across a large parking lot designed for visitors to the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck .

The path is flat and relatively easy but will take you roughly 45 minutes to an hour each way. On a windy day, the walk can be particularly frustrating, as you have to fight the wind resistance as well.

The plane doesn’t come into sight until the very end of your walk. Get your camera ready, and be prepared to photograph the wreckage.

Solheimasandur Plane Wreck Tips

• Prepare for a Long Walk : The walk to the plane wreck is about 4 km (2.5 miles) each way on flat, open terrain, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
• No Shelter on the Route : The path to the wreck is exposed with no shelter from the elements. Dress appropriately for the weather, including wind protection.
• Photography Etiquette : The site is popular for photography. Be respectful of others taking photos and wait your turn for that perfect shot.
• No Facilities : There are no facilities at the site or along the walk, so bring water, snacks, and any other necessities with you.

If you are looking for a place to unwind and relax, look no further than the Sky Lagoon . Found in Reykjavik in Southwest Iceland, this high-end hot spring is a rival to the iconic Blue Lagoon .

The seven-step Sky Ritual with take you through an amazing spa treatment that involves a sauna, a cleansing scrub, steam, and more. You will be so incredibly relaxed afterward.

The hot spring portion of your trip will be very memorable as well. The pool is a mix of nature and Nordic culture with large, rugged rocks surrounding the water and creating little nooks for privacy. There is even a waterfall!

The infinity pool brings you jaw-dropping views of the ocean. In the winter, you might even spot the Northern Lights . Another place to enjoy the water is the swim-up bar where you can grab a drink. There is also a sit-down café and bar.

Book Here: Sky Lagoon: Sky Pass with 7-Step Spa Ritual

Sky Lagoon Tips

• Booking in Advance : It’s recommended to book your visit in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, as this geothermal spa is quite popular.
• Infinity Edge Experience : Don’t miss the infinity edge, offering a stunning view that blends the lagoon with the ocean horizon.
• The Ritual : Consider trying the seven-step Sky Lagoon Ritual, which includes a sauna, cold plunge, and relaxation in the lagoon.
• Bring Swimsuits : Although towels and robes can be rented, remember to bring your own swimsuit. Locker rooms are available for changing and storing your belongings.

Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool

The Seljavallalaug Swimming Pool is another amazing hot spring on the South Coast, but it is farther from the city. It will take a two-hour drive and a twenty-minute hike to reach the oldest pool in Iceland.

While it is a famous and scenic hot spring in Iceland, it might not live up to your expectations. The pool is not the hottest at about 68 to 86°F and the changing rooms can be dirty. Do not be surprised to find algae in the water.

Even so, the pool is super photogenic and the historical aspect makes it interesting too. It was built in 1923 and was once where locals learned to swim.

Today, tourists take advantage of the free price to take a dip in a pool nestled among mountains. Make sure to leave no trace and pack out all your trash.

Seljavallalaug Tips

• Access by Hike : It involves a short hike (about 20 minutes) to reach the pool. The path is relatively easy, but good walking shoes are recommended.
• Rustic and Remote : Seljavallalaug is one of Iceland’s oldest swimming pools, offering a rustic, natural experience in a remote setting.
• No Facilities : There are very basic changing facilities, but no showers or other amenities. Bring your own towels and be prepared for a minimalistic experience.
• Temperature Variability : The pool’s water temperature can be lukewarm, depending on recent rainfall and geothermal activity, so be prepared for varying conditions.

Solheimajokull Glacier

Solheimajokull Glacier is one of the best things to do on the south coast. You get to see the raw power of nature up close. This natural wonder is easily accessible and is just a short drive from the Ring Road. Don’t forget to check out our tips for Solheimajokull Glacier!

A short walk from the parking lot with lead you to gorgeous views of the glacier. If you want to get even closer, you can book a glacier hiking tour . You cannot go without a guide. Trained experts will provide the equipment you need and lead you safely across the ice.

Solheimajokull Glacier Tips

• Glacier Hiking and Tours : Consider booking a guided glacier hike or ice climbing tour for a safe and informative experience. Guides provide the necessary equipment.
• Safety First : Due to the changing nature of glaciers, it’s not recommended to walk on the glacier without a guide.
• Photography Opportunities : The glacier offers stunning views and photo opportunities, especially of the ice formations and crevasses.
• Dress Appropriately : Wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the area.

Dverghamrar

Dverghamrar, also known as the Dwarf Rocks, is a unique hidden gem on the South Coast.

This is a beautiful area to explore, especially in summer when it is lush and green. There is also a waterfall nearby called Foss at Sída adding even more magic to the scenery.

Dverghamrar is just off the Ring Road near the small village of Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Even though it is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the main tourist road, it is not a popular spot to stop, and you might get the landscape to yourself! Definitely add this stop to your south Iceland itinerary,

Dverghamrar Tips

• Unique Geological Formation : Explore the fascinating columnar basalt formations, which are said to be the homes of dwarfs and elves according to Icelandic folklore.
• Easy Accessibility : Located close to the Ring Road, Dverghamrar is easily accessible with a short walk from the parking area.
• Photography Spot : The area is a great photography location, especially with the contrast between the basalt columns and the surrounding landscape.

Dyrholaey is an interesting and photogenic sea arch next to the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach . If you are looking for amazing, sweeping views, this is where you can find them.

To get to the peninsula’s viewpoint, you’ll have to drive a gravel road, and a 4×4 is recommended, especially in winter. This open area is super windy, too, and it can get cold. Even so, it is a spectacular spot for photography with panoramic views.

This is also a great place to spot seabirds. Puffins are especially popular and cute. Bring binoculars or a telephoto camera lens to see them close up on the cliffside.

Dyrholaey Tips

• Bird Watching : Known for its rich birdlife, including puffins during the nesting season (usually May to August). Bring binoculars for bird watching.
• Stunning Views : Offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Reynisfjara black sand beach and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
• Lighthouse : Don’t miss the picturesque Dyrhólaey lighthouse, which adds to the charm of the area.
• Respect Wildlife and Nature : Stay on designated paths to protect the natural habitat and be cautious around cliff edges.

Þakgil, or Thakgil, translates to “Roof Canyon” and looks like a landscape out of Middle Earth.

Hiking through this South Iceland attraction will give you views of mountains, valleys, volcanos, and glaciers. This is the perfect slice of Icelandic landscapes.

As you explore the many miles of trails, it is likely you will find yourself alone in nature since not many people hike here. It is not as close to the Ring Road as other stops at about 7 miles but is so worth it.

There is also one of the best Iceland campgrounds here. It is a pretty spot with summer bringing greenery on all sides. A natural cave with picnic tables makes a unique place for a meal.

Þakgil Tips

• Camping Facilities : Þakgil offers unique camping experiences, with options for tents, campervans, or rentable cabins. Check availability in advance.
• Hiking Trails : There are several hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and canyons.
• Remote Location : The area is quite remote and off the beaten path, so make sure your vehicle is suitable for gravel roads.
• Bring Supplies : Due to its remoteness, bring all necessary supplies, including food, water, and any hiking or camping gear you might need.

Vatnajokull National Park

There are some epic national parks in Iceland, and Vatnajokull National Park is one of them. In 2008, Jokulsargljufur and Skaftafell National Parks were combined to form the biggest national park in Europe.

At 5,459 square miles, this World Heritage Site has plenty to explore including the second-largest glacier in Europe. Vatnajokull glacier covers more than 8% of the country.

Make sure to book a guide if you want to hike the glacier or see the ice caves. You can also go snowmobiling here, which is a memorable South Iceland activity. Don’t forget to check out our list of the best Ice caves in Iceland!

Since this is Iceland, there are of course a bunch of waterfalls here too. Svartifoss is one of the most iconic southern Iceland waterfalls with towering black basalt columns surrounding it. The hike is about two miles roundtrip and is rated easy.

Vatnajokull National Park Tips

• Diverse Landscapes : The park encompasses a variety of landscapes from glaciers, ice caves, and volcanic areas to waterfalls and black sand plains.
• Glacier Tours : Join guided tours for glacier hikes, ice caving, or boat tours on glacial lagoons. Always explore glaciers with a professional guide.
• Weather Preparedness : Weather can be unpredictable and change quickly. Dress in layers, carry waterproof gear, and have sturdy walking shoes.

More commonly known as the Yoda Cave, Gigjagja is gaining popularity among Star Wars fans and photographers as one of the top South Coast activities. You will find the road to the cave just east of Vik . You’ll drive for a few minutes from the Ring Road to reach the standalone Hjorleifshofdi rock formation that hosts the cave.

The cave has two big openings with the upper hole looking like a popular Jedi Master. The silhouette becomes even more obvious from the inside

Another cool fact about this area is that it was used as a filming location for the opening scenes of Star Wars: Rogue One. That is just an added bonus for any Star Wars lover.

Gigjagja Tips

• Unique Geological Feature : Gígjagjá is a striking cave formation created by volcanic activity, showcasing Iceland’s dynamic geology.
• Lava Field Surroundings : The cave is set within a vast lava field, providing a dramatic and otherworldly landscape to explore.
• Prepare for Rugged Terrain : Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven ground. The area around the cave can be rocky and challenging to navigate.

Mulagljufur Canyon

Mulagljufur Canyon is a rugged and quintessentially Icelandic landscape found just off the Ring Road near the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. This South Coast hidden gem and worthy of being on your southern Iceland itinerary!

The moderate-rated hike is three miles roundtrip and has steep portions. Don’t focus on the burn in your legs as you head uphill, instead enjoy the amazing views of the mossy cliffs and otherworldly beauty.

You will also love the ribbon of water that cuts through the canyon and the waterfall Mulafoss. This waterfall cascades down for about 328 feet, creating a beautiful scene.

This is easily one of the best canyons in Iceland and since it is less popular, it will be less crowded too. It is a great place for a moody photoshoot.

Mulagljufur Canyon Tips

• Scenic Hiking Trails : The canyon offers breathtaking hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including waterfalls and the canyon itself.
• Less Crowded : Múlagljúfur Canyon is less known and often less crowded than other popular spots in Iceland, offering a more serene experience.
• Moderate Hike: Access to the best viewpoints involves a moderate hike, so wear comfortable hiking shoes and be prepared for some walking .

Hrunalaug Hot Spring

If you are looking for a remote and cheap hot spring in South Iceland, make time to drop by the Hrunalaug Hot Spring . Located near the Golden Circle, this small hot spring only costs about $7.50 which helps the landowner with the upkeep.

The pools only fit about ten people, and it can get crowded. Keep that in mind when planning on when you will visit.

The hot spring is about a five-minute walk from the parking lot. There is a small shed you can use to change, but it does not provide much privacy.

Depending on where you sit in the pools, the temperature ranges from about 90 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. As you soak, you can admire the rolling hills that surround you.

As always, respect the land and pack out any trash you bring in. Leave the hot springs better than you found them so people can continue to enjoy this slice of beauty.

Hrunalaug Hot Spring Tips

• Small and Cozy : Hrunalaug is a small, natural hot spring, offering a more intimate and rustic soaking experience compared to larger, commercial hot springs.
• Changing Facilities : There are very basic changing facilities available, but they are quite primitive, so be prepared for a minimalistic setup.
• Preserve the Environment : As it’s a natural site, it’s crucial to respect the surroundings by not leaving any trash and keeping the area clean.
• Parking and Access : There’s a small parking area near the spring, and from there, it’s a short walk to reach the hot spring. Be mindful of private property in the area.

Best Places To Stay In South Iceland

Since it is such a popular area in Iceland, there are plenty of places to stay in South Iceland from hotels, guesthouses, and campgrounds. They all range in price and amenities. Here are some options to check out!

Affordable: Camp Boutique . Check Rates: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Brekkugerdi Guesthouse . Check Rates: Booking.com

Luxury: Magical Stay Near to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall . Check Rates: Vrbo.com

Luxury: Hótel Kría . Check Rates: Booking.com

It’s hard to go wrong with a road trip to South Iceland. These ten suggestions make up only a handful of all that this region of the country has to offer.

Driving through Iceland’s nature is a unique experience in and of itself, and taking time at each of these impressive stops is icing on the cake!

We hope these get you excited about planning your South Iceland road trip. Please let us know in the comments if you have any thoughts or questions.

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Visit Southwest Iceland, Iceland

• Accommodation
• Things to do

Home the Icelandic capital, Reykjavík, and the international airport at Keflavik, southwest Iceland is the gateway to the rest of the country. Along with exploring the museums, galleries and art installations of the capital, you’ll find that this region offers some of Iceland’s headline attractions, including the steaming Blue Lagoon, the waterfalls and geysers of the Golden Circle, and the geological and historical wonders of Þingvellir National Park.

Our specialists can introduce you to the wild, volcanic landscape and rugged coastline of the southwest, helping you to visit the world’s first parliament site, hear the thundering roar of Gullfoss, snorkel between tectonic plates or explore the lava fields on the Reykjanes Peninsula all in one trip.

Best time to visit

Year round — most attractions are available in the winter, and winter northern lights viewing is very good. Summer is good as daylight hours are long — meaning you can spend time at Golden Circle attractions later in the evening when the tourist coaches are gone.

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Southwest Iceland by contacting one of our Iceland specialists

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• Make an inquiry

Places to visit in Southwest Iceland

Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting Southwest Iceland, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travelers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.

Blue Lagoon

Golden Circle

Suggested itineraries featuring Southwest Iceland

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Southwest Iceland, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Luxury Iceland

7 days from $18,670pp

Northern lights winter break in Iceland

6 days from $8,370pp

Highlights of north Iceland

8 days from $8,860pp

Classic Iceland self-drive tour

9 days from $6,970pp

The Golden Circle & west Iceland

7 days from $4,595pp

Iceland family adventure

8 days from $10,635pp

Iceland's south coast tour

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A private tour around Iceland's ring road

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Iceland's hidden highlights self-drive

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Map of Southwest Iceland

Places & hotels on the map, places in and around southwest iceland.

• Blue Lagoon Southwest Iceland
• Golden Circle Southwest Iceland
• Reykjavík Southwest Iceland
• West Iceland 51 miles away
• Westman Islands 73 miles away
• Snæfellsnes Peninsula 77 miles away
• Langjökull 90 miles away
• South Coast 93 miles away
• South Iceland 101 miles away
• Flatey 108 miles away
• Vatnajökull National Park 170 miles away
• Akureyri 181 miles away
• Troll Peninsula 190 miles away
• Jökulsárlón 191 miles away
• North Iceland 192 miles away
• Lake Mývatn 202 miles away
• Dettifoss 225 miles away
• Eastfjords 258 miles away

Photos of Southwest Iceland

Our expert guides to exploring Southwest Iceland

Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Southwest Iceland, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Southwest Iceland at its best.

Highlights of Iceland: volcanoes, glaciers, whales and waterfalls

Iceland is shaped by fire, ice and folklore. Whether you’re a summer or winter visitor, you’ll find lots to experience here, from whale watching to hiking through ice caves and even bathing in beer. Iceland specialist Katy shares her highlights.

Seeing the northern lights in Iceland: a Q&A

Located just south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland has one of the best positions for northern lights viewing in the world. We share our advice on how to witness the phenomenon, from joining guided tours to staying in well-located hotels.

Accommodation choices for Southwest Iceland

We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Southwest Iceland. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

Silica Hotel

ION Adventure Hotel

Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Frost & Fire Boutique Hotel

Hótel Grímsborgir

Centerhotel Miðgarður

Berjaya Reykjavík Marina Hótel

Canopy by Hilton Reykjavík City Centre

Reykjavík Residence Hotel

Ideas for experiencing southwest iceland.

Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Southwest Iceland, and which use the best local guides.

Inside the Volcano

Hike across an otherworldly landscape of lava fields and volcanic craters to the Þríhnúkagígur crater where you can descend by cable car into the heart of a dormant volcano to see the incredible chamber inside and the vibrant deposits on its walls.

Open today, 9am - 5pm

Our opening hours are:

Monday – Friday

Call us: 01737 218 807

Search Discover the World Education

South west iceland highlights.

Iceland earns its place as the number one destination for geography school trips. The awe-inspiring scenery, geological wonders and volcanic activity make it the ideal location for students to fall in love with geography for life. Check out our Iceland itinerary to see how you could squeeze some of the highlights below into one incredible trip.

One of the most popular areas to visit in Iceland is the South West region, to find out more about the North and East visit our North and East Iceland Highlights.

It is nearly impossible to create a shortlist of our favourite things to do in Iceland, as we find new activities and places to explore every day. For more information about the popular South West region talk to our travel specialists who will be able to tailor an itinerary to exactly what you want to see and do.

View South West Itinerary >

Discover the World Education are a fantastic company to use as a full-time teacher when planning a trip. They make everything incredibly simple and totally minimise stress. University Trips

Eyjafjallajokull

Visit the valley glacier Gigjokull where the flood from the Eyjafjallajokull eruption dramatically changed the landscape.

Golden Circle

Visit Thingvellir National Park, watch Strokkur erupt and travel to Gullfoss.

Blue Lagoon

One of Iceland's most iconic attractions.

Jokulsarlon

Iceland's most famous glacier lagoon filled with icebergs breaking from the glacier.

Reykjanes Peninsula

Explore the dramatic and rugged landscape of this geothermal wonder.

Thingvellir

Thingvellir National Park has stunning views of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and tectonic plates.

Solheimajokull

This impressive feature is one of the most easily accessible glaciers to reach from Reykjavik.

The capital and largest city of Iceland located in southwestern Iceland.

This spectacular landmark is said to be the most photographed mountain in Iceland. Located north of Snaefellsnes peninsula, Kirkjufell definitely delivers the ‘wow’ factor!

Snaefellsjokull glacier

This glacier is situated on Snaefellsnes peninsula in West Iceland. It is Iceland’s most iconic glacier, at least according to Jules Verne’s book 'A Journey to the Centre of the Earth'.

Hraunfossar waterfalls

View a breath-taking broad curtain of waterfalls located in Borgarfjordur, West Iceland which flow out of the enormous Hallmundarhraun lava field.

This charming town in Borgarfjordur has a public swimming pool with magnificent fjord views and hosts the Settlement Centre.

Our Top 10 Activities in South West Iceland

1. walk on a glacier.

Would you like to explore a glacier? And we mean really explore a glacier?

This trip takes you on an exploration of the frozen glacier tongue of Solheimajokull on the Myrdalsjokull ice field.

A wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges and deep crevasses await your discovery. An experienced glacier guide will teach your group how to use basic ice equipment, crampons and ice axes.

2. Watch whales breach the surface of the sea

The nutrient-rich coastal waters off Reykjavik offer some excellent opportunities for spotting cetaceans – in fact there is over an 80% chance!

During the trip you could spot white beaked dolphins, minke whales, and occasionally other species such as humpback whale and orca along with puffins, fulmars, gannets and kittiwakes.

3. Delve into a lava tube

Enter through a narrow cave to a world of fascinating colours and lava formations.

These caverns are created when surface lava hardens but fluid lava continues to flow in tubes underneath.

In addition, see stalactites and other unique rock formations. Be prepared for an adventure as the terrain underfoot is uneven and the ceiling height constantly changes in this organic structure.

There are a few different lava tube experiences to choose from, ask your travel specialist for our activities brochure for more details.

4. Swim, soak and splash in a geothermal lagoon

The famous Blue Lagoon is located amidst a field of black basalt lava and the powder-blue mineral rich waters have many beneficial properties.

For those wanting to escape the crowds, the “Secret Lagoon” natural hot springs are located in the small village of Fludir on the Golden Circle route. It is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland and has maintained its traditional characteristics and ethereal atmosphere.

You can also enjoy an authentic Icelandic experience by bathing at the Krauma geothermal baths and spa located nearby the Deildartunguhver hot springs.

There are also local geothermal pools all around Iceland, speak to your travel specialist to include swimming in your itinerary.

5. Bring your volcano studies to life

We have so many exciting activities for geographers wanting to understand more about Iceland’s volcanic history. One of our favorites is the Lava Centre, an interactive exhibit detailing some of Iceland’s most infamous eruptions.

Students can also witness the effects of the Eyjafjallajokull 2010 eruption over the flood plain by Thorsmork. Explore this volcanic area in a Monster Truck to see the most obvious visible effects of the eruption – those caused by flooding.

Visit the valley glacier (Gigjokull) where the flood filled in the pro-glacial lagoon that had formed as the glacier retreated over several decades.

6. Walk between continents at the Mid Atlantic Ridge in Thingvellir

Visit the rift valley at Thingvellir, where the divergent North American and Eurasian tectonic plates can be found, pulling apart at an average rate of 2.5cm per year – it is also where Iceland’s national assembly, the Althing, was set up in 930AD.

Look out for ropey lava as you then make your way across the landscape, passing many fissures.

Thingvellir is one of three sites that make up the Golden Circle, Iceland’s most visited area. It was also the site of Iceland’s first parliament so holds a great deal of historic significance.

7. Feel the spray of one of the many Icelandic waterfalls

Iceland has so many waterfalls that will take your breath away – no trip is complete without hearing the roar of icy water from at least one of the memorable waterfalls across the island.

Visit Seljalandsfoss, a narrow plunge waterfall where the water plummets over a former sea cliff, far enough away from the bedrock to allow you to walk behind it.

In contrast, the waterfall at Skogar is a broad, block waterfall that thunders 60m over a cliff edge.

In the Golden Circle you will find the two-tiered waterfall, Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls which flows from a glacier into a rift valley.

8. Study the dramatic coastlines at Dyrholaey

Wander on the black sand beach and dunes at Vik, the most southerly point of Iceland.

See the incredible hexagonal basalt columns and impressive cliffs of Reynishverfi.

The coastline at Dyrholaey has a variety of features including Iceland’s answer to Durdle Door – an immense natural rock arch. If the roads are open, visit the lighthouse perched on the headland and perhaps spot puffins.

9. Explore the city of Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a small capital city but a vibrant one.

As you stroll through the streets you’ll notice a burgeoning foodie culture, avant-garde fashions and geothermal swimming pools.

Visit the Hallgrumskirkja, one of the most famous landmarks in Europe’s most northerly capital.

This Lutheran church, which was built to resemble basalt lava flow, is visible all over the city and its viewing deck offers spectacular photo opportunities from a 75 metre height.

10. Admire the magic of the Northern Lights

We can’t guarantee that you will be lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights on your trip to Iceland but if you are fortunate it will be the icing on the cake of a fantastic trip.

Travel when the nights are darker (September – Mid April) for your optimum chance.

Ready to start your journey?

Our friendly team will be happy to provide you with a quote based on your group size and budget, get started today!

Speak to a specialist

South Coast of Iceland: 31 Attractions and Awesome Things to Do

I celand is one of the most magical, surreal countries that I have ever had the privilege of visiting. The combination of black igneous rocks, jagged mountains, volcanic eruptions, basalt columns, black sand beaches to explore, hot springs to soak in , open, flat expanses covered in moss… the country is an incredible destination and nature lover’s dream.

South Iceland is a top destination for many travelers in Iceland. Reykjavik, the capital city, is located in southern Iceland, and there are a huge number of waterfalls, hot pots, massive glaciers to hike , and natural attractions along the south coast of Iceland. You could spend days, weeks even, in just this portion of the country. 

Traveling around southern Iceland is very easy – the roads are well-maintained and easy to navigate, and distances are manageable.

Top Sights and Attractions: South Coast Iceland

If you are wondering what to see in Iceland, here’s your guide to some of the top sights and attractions that you absolutely should not miss when you visit this incredible country. 

Things to Do in Reykjavik

Before you get out into the countryside of Iceland, you must explore Reykjavik. Reykjavik can be explored in less than a day, but there are some attractions here that you really should not miss!

Hallgrímskirkja

The biggest church in Reykjavik is the Hallgrimskirkja church, a relatively new church (built in 1986) that has quickly become an icon of Iceland.

This church is designed to mimic the natural landscapes of Iceland, with a distinctive curved shape and tall, skinny “columns” that are very reminiscent of the basalt columns found in Svartifoss or Reynisfjara (more on both of those places, below). You can also go up in the tower to enjoy the views over Reykjavik. 

Skólavörðustígur Street

Skólavörðustígur Street starts at the Hallgrimskirkja church, and continues down through the city. After a few blocks, it turns into a rainbow road, where the street has long, colorful horizontal stripes in rainbow order.

The street was painted to show friendliness towards the LGBTQ community, but it’s also very appropriate for Iceland – as they naturally get tons of rainbows due to their numerous waterfalls and low-angle sun.

Harpa Concert Hall

Harpa Concert Hall is a beautiful concert hall right on the coast of Reykjavik that hosts world class performances, as well as different conferences and events.

Like the Hallgrimskirkja church, the concert hall’s architecture is designed to imitate the unique beauty of Iceland. The outside is made of small hexagonal pieces of glass layered together, designed to resemble Iceland’s basalt landscape. 

Whale Watching

Iceland is one of the best places to go whale watching in the world, and there are a number of good whale watching companies that run out of Reykjavik.

The best time to go whale watching is in summer, when whales migrate to the waters around Iceland. You can often see blue whales, sperm whales, minke whales, and humpback whales around Reykjavik, though you may also see orcas. 

Things to Do in the Golden Circle Area of South Iceland

The “Golden Circle” in Iceland is 3 different attractions that you can visit in one easy loop as a day trip from Reykjavik. As such, these locations – Thingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss – are some of the most visited spots in the country, but are still incredible places to see nature. 

Included in this section are a couple of other stops that easily fit when visiting the Golden Circle. 

Thingvellir National Park

Thingvellir is an incredible spot in Iceland, both politically and geologically. Politically, it was the site of the Iceland parliament, which met here between 930 and 1798.

Geologically, Thingvellir is the location of the Almannagja Gorge, which is the divide between the North American tectonic plate and the Eurasian tectonic plate. This is the only spot in the world where the rift between tectonic plates is above ground (and not deep in the ocean). 

Other options of things to do in Thingvellir include multiple hiking trails, visiting the Oxararfoss waterfall, or fishing in Lake Þingvallavatn

Kerid Crater

The Kerid Crater is an old volcanic crater with a small lake at the bottom. The Kerid Crater is notable both for its shape and for its colors – the deep red soil contrasts with the green-blue water and the surrounding green moss and vegetation. You can walk around the rim or even descend down to the water’s edge.  

Gullfoss is a powerful and commonly visited waterfall in Iceland , with an upper and lower viewing deck located a quick, 5 minute walk from the parking lot. The upper deck is higher above the falls, whereas the lower deck is right at the top of the falls. If you want to get close to the falls, the lower deck is what gets you there.

 The river cascades over a few, small ledges before plunging 100 feet over a tall cliff, into a narrow gorge below. It’s actually rather difficult to see the bottom of the falls at Gullfoss, as the ravine is pretty tight and the mist is quite strong. 

Geysir is a collection of small bubbling hot springs and large, explosive geysers. When you arrive, you’ll walk through a pathway lined with steaming, bubbling mud pots.

Nestled within these pots is Strokkur, a geyser that regularly and dramatically erupts, shooting a pillar of water anywhere from 50-100 feet (15-30 meters) in the air. These eruptions occur every 5-7 minutes, so you will definitely be able to see at least one during your visit. 

Other Places to Visit in South Iceland

Blue lagoon.

One of Iceland’s most popular attractions, the Blue Lagoon is nevertheless a can’t-miss spot when visiting South Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is a large hot spring spa, with steam rising off the milky blue waters, and lava rocks lining the curving edges of the pools. While there, you can get a drink from the poolside bar and apply a mud mask from the silica mud formed naturally around the pools. 

The lagoon does get busy, so it’s recommended to make your reservations to come first thing in the morning, or right before closing. Head to the very back of the pools for the most secluded spots. 

Fagradsafjall Volcano

The Fagradsafjall volcano is located about 30 minutes from Reykjavik, and is one of the most recent volcanos to actively erupt in Iceland. It erupted during 2021, and was a top tourist attraction during the months of eruption.

Today, the volcano is largely dormant (although eruptions do start and stop randomly every year or so), but the lava fields that Fagradsafjall created are very fresh and very expansive. You can still hike out to the lava fields and marvel at the vastness of the lava, and examine the intricacies of the newest rocks on earth. 

The Hruni hot springs (or Hrunalaug) is a super charming hot pot in the middle of rolling hills in the countryside. There are 3 pools at Hrunalaug, the largest is lined with a stone wall, the middle is a small pond, and the smallest is a tiny little plunge pool.

Make sure you have some cash on you – there’s a box at the parking lot that asks for a 1000 krona (or $10) donation for the upkeep of the hot pot. 

Reykjadalur Thermal River

The Reykjadalur Thermal River is one of the best and most unique things to do in south Iceland – instead of soaking in a hot spring that is a pool of warm water, you actually get to sit in a hot river.

To get there, you’ll have to hike about 1 hour into a hilly area. There are sections that are steep, but the views are fantastic. The very final section of the hike starts following along the river, but you’ll know you’ve reached the bathing portion when you start walking on a boardwalk along the river. 

The stream is pretty shallow and slow-moving, so it’s totally safe for all ages. There’s a little bit of moss on the rocks in the river, but it actually felt really nice!

Bruarfoss is a gorgeous waterfall with milky, ice blue water. This waterfall is fairly unique, in that there isn’t one ridge that the falls go over; rather, there are dozens of streams of water falling several feet over a curved ridge.

There are two ways to see Bruarfoss – the first is to park in the parking lot and walk 5 minutes to the falls, and second is to park about 2 miles away and hike along the river to the falls. 

Gljúfrabúi 

Gljúfrabúi is one of the most unique waterfalls in Iceland, and it is actually located inside of a cave. The cave isn’t deep at all, but the only entrance is through the stream coming off the waterfall, so you’ll have to wade through the ankle deep water for about 35 feet (10 meters) to reach dry land inside the cave. 

Once you’re inside, you can fully appreciate the water streaming 125 feet  (38 m) over a ridge in the roof of the cave, which is partially open to the sky. Fun fact: Gljufrabui means “one who lives in the canyon”. The whole effect is surreal and enchanting. 

Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is located just a stone’s throw away from Gljufrabrui, and is a popular waterfall in Iceland, as visitors can walk a path that goes behind the falls, creating a very cool perspective. Seljalandsfoss is 200 feet (60 m) tall, and is just a quick walk from the parking lot. 

Skógafoss is possibly the most famous waterfall in all of Iceland, and is a very easy one to visit in south Iceland. Water rushes over a 200 foot (60 m) cliff, plunging down in one big drop next to moss-lined rock walls.

Interestingly, although the falls themselves are very powerful, the stream at the base of the falls is fairly calm and lowkey.  Be prepared for a very strong mist and stiff wind created by this thunderous and spectacular waterfall. 

Seljavallalaug

Seljavallalaug is one of the oldest hot springs in Iceland, and is a scenic location to view. Seljavallalaug is actually a swimming pool that is built into the ground, with one edge of the pool backing up to the side of a hill, and is more of a heated pool than *hot* spring.

The entire pool is set in the middle of a very hilly area, and the peaks of the hills around the pool are really beautiful. The pool has an interesting history – it was built to teach Icelander children to swim during a time when most people couldn’t swim. 

Sólheimasandur Airplane

The Sólheimasandur plane is an abandoned, crashed plane on a solitary black sand beach in south Iceland. It’s about a 4 mile (7 km) round trip, easy walk out to the plane, where you can admire and explore the crash site against the stark background. 

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

Thanks to all the volcanic activity in Iceland, there are quite a few beaches in Iceland that are black sand beaches. The most famous of all these black sand beaches is Reynisfjara Beach, which in addition to the coarse, dark sand, also has tall, black, basalt columns lining one edge of the beach.

These basalt columns are also a remnant of volcanic activity, and create a totally otherworldly scene on the beach. Stay far away from the water’s edge at Reynisfjara, as sneaker waves will without warning break high and strong on the beach. 

Svartifoss is a waterfall in Vatnajokull National Park, near the Skaftafell Terminal. To see this waterfall, you’ll need to hike about 1 mile (1.5 km) to arrive at the falls, which are some of the most impressive in Iceland. The waterfall flows over a curved ridge, with long “stacks” of basalt columns visible on the cliff face. 

Vatnajokull/Skaftafell Glacier

The Vatnajokull Glacier is the largest glacier in Iceland, covers 11% of the country, and includes over 30 smaller named arms of the glacier. A couple of these arms are the Skaftafell and the Falljokul glaciers, which are notable because you can actually go hiking on them. 

You do have to go with a tour guide to hike a glacier in Iceland, due to the inherent danger in climbing a massive hunk of ice with cracks, fissures, caves, and sink holes.

Still, doing a glacier hike is one of the top experiences you can have in south Iceland, as you’ll get to admire the blue tint of the ice, see the deep craggs of the ice face, climb through ice canyons, drink from a glacier stream, and see the massive ice fall, a tall cliff face that looms above you. 

Jokulsarlon

On the very south side of Vatnajokull National Park is Jokulsarlon, commonly referred to as “Glacier Lagoon.” Glacier Lagoon has one of the most incredible landscapes in south Iceland, as ice chunks break off of the glacier and float in the lagoon.

These icebergs of varying sizes and shapes float through the lagoon, and then through a small channel out to sea. You can admire the ice from shore, or even go on a boat tour or kayak tour through the lagoon. This is definitely a spot not to be missed in south Iceland. 

Diamond Beach

Once the icebergs leave Jokulsarlon and are out at sea, the waves toss and turn them, “polishing” them up. Some of these icebergs are then actually pushed back onto the black sand beaches that line the shores nearby. These beaches are known as “Diamond Beach,” as the blocks of ice shine and sparkle brilliantly, a sharp contrast to the black sand on which they sit. 

Fjallsarlon

About 15 minutes away from Jokulsarlon is Fjallsarlon, which is another, smaller glacier lagoon. This lagoon is both smaller in area and the ice that floats in the water is much, much smaller, sometimes only shards. However, Fjallsarlon has the advantage in that you can actually have a great view of the glacier in Fjallsarlon (it’s very far away in Jokulsarlon), and while the ice is smaller, there is so much more ice in Fjallsarlon. 

Hoffell Hot Pots

The Hoffell Hot Pots are a series of 5 small, man-made tubs inset into the ground, and surrounded by stones and vegetation, with hills and mountains in the background.  

Vestrahorn on the Stokksnes Peninsula

The Stokksnes Peninsula is a small little jut-out of land that holds the Vestrahorn mountain, a tall, dramatic, singular mountain that ends abruptly right at the water’s edge.

The viewpoint at Stokksnes is an incredible vantage point. The bay is extremely shallow and surrounded by a fine black beach, and during high tide it completely fills up with calm water creating a spectacular reelected view of the Vestrahorn. It feels like something out of a fantasy.

Múlagljúfur Canyon

Múlagljúfur Canyon is a gorgeous, deep, moss-lined canyon in south Iceland. A waterfall plunges from a high cliff at the back of the canyon, and the stream winds its way through the bottom of the ravine. Hiking through Múlagljúfur canyon is a delight, as you can walk a trail right at the edge of the top of the cliffs, and admire the undulating, green canyon walls in front of you. 

Foods to Try and Best Places to Eat

Icelandic hot dogs.

Hot Dogs in Iceland are made with lamb, and make for a very popular meal. You can get good hot dogs in just about any gas station, but the best place is the Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur stand in Reykjavik. 

Sheep (and lambs) are the most common domesticated animal you’ll see in Iceland, and the meat makes it into a lot of dishes, including a delightful lamb stew. 

For anyone wanting to be adventurous, hakarl, aka fermented shark, is something you should try! Small chunks of the fermented shark are served on toothpicks, and traditionally washed down with Brennivin, a strong liquor similar to vodka.

Hakarl is truly disgusting – it smells like harsh chemicals, and has a very fishy and chewy taste. But it’s also definitely a cultural experience, is really only a small bite, and you’ll have bragging rights after!

Langoustines

Being on the coast, seafood is a popular and delicious food to eat in Iceland. Langoustines are particularly good on the south coast of Iceland, and the best way to eat them is on a langoustine pizza at Ishusid Pizzeria in the town of Hofn. 

Best Hotels in South Iceland

Many people who visit south Iceland choose to camp in campervans or RVs, and regular towns with regular hotels are few and far between. However, there are still some really beautiful hotels to stay in in South Iceland. These are a few top picks: 

Reykjavik: The Fosshótel Rauðará Hotel

The hotel is centrally located in downtown Reykjavik, and offers free parking in the city. Read Fosshotel Rauðará reviews at TripAdvisor and find the best prices at Hotels.com or Booking.com .

Vik: Hotel Vík í Mýrdal

Hotel Vík í Mýrdal is a nice, modern, centrally located place to stay in Vik, close to Reynisfjara Beach, the Sólheimasandur plane, Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss, and Seljavallalaug.

The beach views are absolutely amazing! You can see the sea and the Reynisdrangar Pillars from here. The cliffs are really impressive, and there are lots of birds around, including puffins on Mt. Reynisfjall, just a short distance away.

They offer a free breakfast buffet and have a happy hour, restaurant, and bar.

Read Hotel Vík í Mýrdal reviews at TripAdvisor and find the best prices at Hotels.com or Booking.com .

Hveragardi: The Greenhouse Hotel

This is a beautiful property with tons of windows and plants, not far from the Thermal River. Hiking, swimming, fishing, golfing, biking, and riding are all nearby. This is a great choice in winter if you want to see amazing views of the moon, stars and Northern Lights.

Read Greenhouse Hotel reviews at TripAdvisor and find the best prices at Hotels.com or Booking.com .

7 Fun Facts about Iceland

• The Iceland Parliament that was formed and held at Thingvellir was the world’s oldest parliament
• Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world – you can feel secure and comfortable traveling around the country. 
• Iceland has the most waterfalls per square foot in the world. Seriously, everywhere you look in Iceland, you will see a waterfall. 
• The Vatnajokull Glacier in south Iceland, in addition to being the largest glacier in the country, is also the largest glacier in all of Europe. 
• Iceland’s water is naturally very fresh and clean, as much of it comes directly from glacial runoff. 
• There are very few trees and no large forests in Iceland, especially in south Iceland. 
• Reindeer are a common sighting in Iceland, especially as you head east. 

Best Time to Visit South Iceland

Iceland can be a great place to visit throughout the year, however, the seasons are very different. During the winter , there is very little light, with just a few hours of light during the middle of the day, and high wind and snow can happen anytime. However, tourism is very low during this time and the chance of seeing the northern lights is high.

Summer is the complete opposite – there is absolutely no darkness, the sky stays light all day long. Summer is still chilly in Iceland, and you can expect to still need winter gear when visiting during summer, as highs are often in the 40’s-60’s. There’s no chance of seeing northern lights, but you can admire the midnight sun. 

Fall and spring look like more “typical” days, with a defined daytime and nighttime, and chances of seeing northern lights. Winds can be high and temperatures very cold, but it’s a great time to visit the country. 

The Wrap Up

Despite having visited many of the great cities of Europe, majestic deserts, stunning mountains, and tropical paradises, Iceland is still the most incredible trip I have done.

You will find a huge variety of dramatic landscapes and features to experience and make lasting memories. So take these tips and go plan your south Iceland adventure!

Recommended Travel Resources

• Travel Insurance: World Nomads .
• Transport: CheapOAir and Skyscanner (Best Sites to Research Flight Prices) 
• Best Car Rental Deals: Rentalcars.com
• Best Sites to Find Hotel Deals: Hotels.com and Booking.com
• My Favorite Hotel Review Website: TripAdvisor
• Best Tours: Viator and Get Your Guide

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The post South Coast of Iceland: 31 Attractions and Awesome Things to Do appeared first on 52 Perfect Days .

The Ultimate Guide to Iceland's South Coast

• An Introduction to Iceland's South Coast

Reykjadalur Valley

• Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
• Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
• Seljavallalaug Outdoor Pool

Solheimajokull Glacier

Us navy dc-3 solheimasandur plane wreck, skogafoss waterfall.

• Dyrhólaey Peninsula

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

• Vik i Myrdal Village

Fjadrargljufur Canyon

• Kirkjubæjarklaustur Village
• Kirkjugólfið (“The Church Floor”)
• Dverghamrar (“Dwarf Cliffs”)

Skaftafell Nature Reserve

Vatnajokull national park.

• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Diamond Beach

• Höfn í Hornafirði

What are some of the most popular attractions found on Iceland’s South Coast? What activities can visitors partake in here? How long does it take to travel from the capital, Reykjavík, and is it possible to travel the south all year? Read on to find out all you need to know with this Ultimate Guide to the South Coast of Iceland. 

An Introduction to Iceland's South Coast

Iceland’s picturesque south coast is among the most popular regions for visitors to the country.

It is, after all, home to some of Iceland’s most beloved natural attractions, such as “The Crown Jewel of Iceland” Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon  and the awe-inspiring Vatnajökull National Park . 

Those travelling along this strip of scenic coast will be privy to nearly endless dried lava fields, awe-inspiring cliffsides and quintessential fishing villages. To this day, visitors consider South Iceland to be the ideal spot for hiking, paragliding, Super Jeep tours and sightseeing, among other activities.

Many people chose to explore the south in different ways, either through guided tours or self-drive tours , yet few are disappointed by the plethora of sights, sounds and experiences they uncover here. 

Top South Coast Tours

Best ice cave tour in vatnajokull glacier starting from jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, 2 day ice cave tour with south coast waterfalls & jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, 3-day northern lights tour of iceland’s golden circle & south coast with ice caving & glacier hiking.

• See also :   Best Attractions by the Ring Road of Iceland  

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is widely considered the end of the South Coast. Situated four hours and 22 minutes drive away from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík (on a good day with clear roads), meaning that, without stops, you’ll be driving for nine hours in total if you decide to head there and back in one day. 

• See also:   2 Day Ice Cave Tour | South Coast Waterfalls & Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon  

This is doable in the summertime, though it’s likely you’ll feel pressed for time and will have to skip over some of the other southern attractions. If looking to head out that far, it is recommended to spend a couple of days on the South Coast, making an overnight stop somewhere like Hvolsvöllur or Höfn.  For that reason, Höfn is included in this list, although it is a part of Iceland's East .

There are also numerous other attractions in the south part of Iceland that aren't a part of the coastline, such as the popular Golden Circle sightseeing route that includes Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir geothermal area. 

Following are only the main attractions along Iceland's South Coast, from the westernmost attraction of Reykjadalur valley to the easternmost one of Höfn, but the south of Iceland has so much more to offer.

Top Golden Circle Tours

Translated to “Smoke Valley” but should, in fact, be "Steam Valley", most people connotate Reykjadalur to the highly-popular, soothing hot river that runs through the area, a result of the region’s geothermal underbelly. 

The valley, however, should be celebrated in its own right; hillsides of a lush green are intercut with numerous trickling streams and waterfalls, as well as dotted with countless hot pools and geothermal springs. 

The valley is located beside Hveragerði, a town of approximately 2500 people known for the locals’ friendliness (if you have any trouble finding your way into the valley, somebody will be around to point you in the direction.) Hveragerði is, roughly, a forty-minute drive southwest from Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik. 

After reaching Hveragerði, visitors will drive straight through the town until they arrive at the gravel road that leads up to Reykjadalur Valley.

Cars are parked at the end of this gravel road, from where guests hike for approximately 50-70 minutes until they reach the first areas for bathing. Note that different sections of the river come out at different temperatures, so walk up and down a little to find the most comfortable spot for you. 

A bus goes to Hveragerði, but not to the parking area from where the hike starts, so the best way to get here is either by renting a car or joining a tour. 

Top Best Keflavik Airport Car Rentals

• See also: Hiking and Bathing in Reykjadalur Geothermal Valley  

Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)    

Vestmannaeyjar is both a town and archipelago found off the South Coast of Iceland. The islands are often anglicised as the Westman Islands, alluding to the area's first settlers, Irish monks, or " Men from the west ".

All in all, Vestmannaeyjar is comprised of 15 islands, as well as around 30 sea stacks and skerries, and are thought to have formed 10,000-12,000 years ago, making them quite young in geological terms. 

The largest island,  Heimaey , is the only one within the archipelago that is inhabited, currently boasting a population of approximately 4200 people. The other islands are either completely untouched by human hand, or sport a solitary hunting cabin, only taking visitors in the warm summer months. 

One particular draw that attracts guests to the Westman Islands is its natural biodiversity. Here, you'll find every one of Iceland's seabird species, including Guillemots, Skuas, Arctic Terns, Puffins, Icelandic Gulls and Kittiwakes.

Thanks to the area's microclimate, millions of birds nest in the islands' cliff face each spring, departing again at the end of the summer months. Because of the birdlife's importance to the islands, the Atlantic Puffin has been officially adopted as the emblem of Vestmannaeyjar. 

In order to get to the Westman Islands you can take a ferry (and bring your car if you like) from Landeyjahöfn harbour . Heimaey Island is easily walkable, however, so it's not necessary to bring your car with you. The trip takes about 35 minutes one way and it's recommended to book in advance. 

Alternatively, you can fly from Bakki airport that's located right next to the harbour (10-minute flight). 

Top Westman Islands Tours

Seljalandsfoss waterfall   .

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is considered a staple stop on the South Coast sightseeing route, in large part due to the fact that visitors can actually walk behind the cascading water here. This makes the feature particularly beloved by nature photographers who jump at the chance to snapshot the waterfall from behind. 

• See also:  Top 10 Beautiful Waterfalls of Iceland  

Standing tall at 60 metres (197 ft) high, the water of Seljalandsfoss originates from the volcanic glacier, Eyjafjallajökull . Eyjafjallajökull is, of course, famous for its 2010 eruption, which simultaneously managed to both shut off European air traffic and instigate the Icelandic tourism boom.

Visitors to Seljalandsfoss will often continue north along the trail until they discover  Gljúfrabúi , another small waterfall, this time hidden away inside of a gorge in these ancient sea cliffs. Once again, photographers jump at the chance to photograph Gljúfrabúi and its unique surroundings.

Seljalandsfoss has been featured widely in international film and television. Arguably, the waterfall’s most famous appearances was a waypoint during the first leg of The Amazing Race 6, as well as taking a starring role in the music video for Justin Bieber’s track, “I’ll Show You”. 

Seljavallalaug Outdoor Pool  

A mere 23 kilometres eastward from Seljalandsfoss waterfall, visitors will stumble across one of the South Coast’s outdoor pools; Seljavallalaug. Seljavallalaug is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland, having been constructed in 1923, long before Iceland’s advance into the modern era. 

Seljavallalaug also once held the title of being Iceland’s largest swimming pool, measuring 10 metres in width and 25 metres in length, but lost the title in 1936. 

• See also:  Best Swimming Pools in Iceland  

Still, despite its size and age, Seljavallalaug is free to enter and makes for a worthwhile stop whilst travelling the South Coast. Do note, however, that those choosing to bathe at the pool do so at their own risk, and only should the urge take them. 

The water is lukewarm at best, as natural hot water trickles down the mountainside that makes up one of the pool's walls.

Many visitors pay a little too close attention to the strange green shade the pool water often takes, a result of the algae that grows on the pool’s sides and bottoms. The pool is cleaned once a year. Visitors are required to take all trash with them from the site and leave nothing behind. There are no showers or bathrooms on-site, but a small house where visitors can seek shelter to change clothes, and that as well is up to visitors to leave neat and tidy.

Getting there requires you to take a left turn off the Ring Road onto road 242 until you come to a parking lot. From the parking lot, there's an additional 15-20 minute walk to reach the pool.

Photo from  Extraordinary 3 Hour Glacier Hiking Adventure Tour on Solheimajokull

A short drive along a gravel road on the left-hand side of the Ring Road takes you towards Sólheimajökull Glacier. This is the meeting place for anyone that has booked a glacier hike on this impressive glacier, that's a part of the larger Mýrdalsjökull glacier.

A glacier hike or a glacier climb should only ever be done with a certified guide, as glaciers are full of dangerous cracks and visitors need to know what they are doing. Everyone partaking in a glacier hike will be provided with crampons, helmets and ice axes, as well as a guide that will lead the group.

If you on the other hand aren't looking to go on a hike on the glacier, it's still a beautiful sight to see from a distance. From the parking lot, there's a 15-minute walk to the edge of the glacier tongue, along impressive mountains and the glacier lagoon that nestles in front of it. 

Top Glacier Tours

For many years, the US Navy DC-3 Plane Wreck sat abandoned to the elements. The result of a fuel failure in 1973, the aircraft crashed into the black sand desert of Sólheimasandur, located between Hvolsvöllur and the fishing village of Vík í Mýrdal. Thankfully, there was no loss of life in the incident. 

It has sat there ever since, exposed and jagged, creating a stark contrast, not just with its peeling white paint to the dark, flat, volcanic earth of Sólheimasandur, but to its sheer artifice when compared to the open, untouched nature that has become its resting place. 

• See also:   The abandoned DC plane on Sólheimasandur  

Given the plane’s presence since the early seventies, and considering that Iceland’s tourism boom did not officially kick off until 2011, some Icelanders are only now beginning to accept that the DC Plane Wreck has become a makeshift visitor attraction in itself. 

Until fairly recently, the wreckage was considered as something of a mess, if considered at all. It is only with foreign eyes that the wreckage has become a real point of interest.

Getting there you will need to put in a bit of effort. The plane can not be seen from the Ring Road, and it's illegal to drive to it. Visitors will have to park their car by the Ring Road, and then start a 45-60 minute walk to reach it (on flat surface). Bicycles are also permitted, that shorten the journey somewhat. The open sands provide no shelter from the unpredictable weather, so dress warmly. 

• See also: South Coast Elements | Glacier Hike, Lava Caving, DC-3 Plane Wreck & Geothermal Pool  

Skógafoss is one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, boasting a drop of 60 metres and a width of 15 metres, and again, acts as one of the major attractions along the South Coast.

Visitors to Skógafoss can walk right up to where the cascading water crashes into the ground, making for fantastic photographs. Photos are made even more amazing by the sheer size of the mist and spray clouds constantly formed by the waterfall, creating rainbows in the light. 

• See also:  Top Activities in Iceland for Adrenaline Junkies 

Standing at such proximity also allows you to experience the sheer power of this natural feature. Be careful during the winter months, however, as the rocks at the base of Skógafoss often become incredibly icy, making it dangerous to approach.

It is also possible to view the waterfall from the top if you ascend the staircase right beside it. Be careful in the winter months, however, as these stairs become laden with snowfall, making accessibility difficult. 

Because Skógafoss is only found a short distance from Seljalandsfoss, the waterfalls are often paired in travel guides, considered as something like cousins. Like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss has made numerous appearances in the media, including on History Channel’s ‘Vikings’ and in the film 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty'.

Dyrhólaey Peninsula

Dyrhólaey ’s origin story can be traced back to when it was a volcanic island, separate from mainland Iceland, known as “ Cape Portland ”. Today, Dyrhólaey has connected to the rest of the country, becoming a small peninsula unto itself. 

This promontory is best known for its fantastic views over Iceland’s South Coast, as well as the birdlife that utilises Dyrhólaey’s towering cliff faces and the enormous rock arch that dominates the scene. 

• See also: Wildlife and Animals in Iceland 

Those travelling to Dyrhólaey for the views will be in for a sure treat. To the north, you will be able to Mýrdalsjökull glacier, while to the east and west respectively, you will have views over Reynisdrangar and the southern coastline towards the town of Selfoss.

Do note, however, that parts of Dyrhólaey are closed off during May and June in order to leave the nesting birds undisturbed. Guests looking to see birdlife can see a variety of species, including puffins, but be aware of the Arctic Tern who are known to divebomb aggressively when protecting their nests. 

• See also: Dyrhólaey - The Arch with the Hole  

Reynisfjara is a black sand beach, found between Vík í Mýrdal village and Dyrhólaey, roughly 180 kilometres away from Reykjavík. Reynisfjara is an excellent example of the volcanic shorelines that so characterise Iceland’s coasts, making it one of the most popular stop-off points for sightseeing tours along the South Coast. 

• See also:  The 13 Most Enchanting Beaches in Iceland  

Here, guests can stand in awe of this ancient and mystic vista, a landscape defined by its distant mountainscapes, towering cliff faces and captivating rock formations. In 1991, National Geographic voted Reynisfjara among the Top 10 most beautiful non-tropical beaches found in the world . 

Of particular note is the 15-metre high basalt rock stack, Reynisdrangar, which protrudes from the ocean just off the coastline. Over the years, there has been much folklore surrounding Reynisdrangar; some claim it to be the petrified remains of three trolls, frozen solid in the sunlight as they attempted to pull a boat from the water. 

• See also: Vikings and Norse Gods in Iceland  

Others suggest it is the frozen imprint of a long-lost, three-masted ship, whilst another theory suggests Reynisdrangar is all that's left of a frozen troll after a vengeful husband froze them after learning that they’d murdered his wife. Whatever the case, Reynisdrangar is home to a wealth of nesting seabirds including Puffins, Fulmars and Guillemots. 

Walking along the coast, guests will also observe the hexagonal rock formations that decorate the cliffsides running along the length of Reynisfjara. These basalt columns are known as Garðar and are reminiscent of the  Giant’s Causeway in Ireland .

Garðar was formed after a historic eruption, where lava cools over time, leading to a process called “columnar jointing”. Once again, a visit here is sure to provide you with a deep insight into Iceland’s geological processes.

A word of warning for those looking to travel to Reynisfjara, however. This beach is infamous for being the site of a number of accidents over the years, a fact due to the unpredictable “Sleeper Waves” that flow rapidly up the coast. Those types of waves are often also called "Sneaker Waves" or "Rogue Waves".

• See also: Things That Can Kill You in Iceland  

These waves are powerful and the currents of Reynisfjara are strong, not to mention that the water is ice cold, meaning that if you’re caught up suddenly in the tide, the odds are immediately against you.

Make sure to pay good attention to the warning signs here and keep well away from the shoreline—it might just save your life!

Vik i Myrdal Village

Vík í Mýrdal is a small coastal village found on Iceland’s South Coast, often utilised as a lunch stop and souvenir shopping destination for those partaking in a sightseeing tour. 

• See also:  The 7 Best Spots for Peace, Quiet & Silence in Iceland. 

The village is home to approximately 300 people, yet stands as the largest settlement in a 70-kilometre radius. Because of this, Vík í Mýrdal is considered an important staging post and administrative centre between Skógar and the Mýrdalssandur glacial outwash plain .

Vík í Mýrdal is located directly south of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, meaning it is at constant threat from Katla volcano , which sits beneath the ice cap. Katla has not erupted since 1918 which, according to scientists, means the chance of a new eruption increases with each day, although it may still take years until the next one takes place. 

• See Also: Glaciers in Iceland  

It is thought that Katla’s eruption would cause glacial flooding large enough to completely destroy the town, save for the red-roofed Vík í Mýrdal church which is positioned on a hill higher than the rest of the town. 

Because of the threat, residents of Vík í Mýrdal regularly hold evacuation drills at the church. Scientists and guests who stay in one of Vík í Mýrdal’s 1400 hotel rooms are warned in advance of the possibility of an eruption. 

But no eruption has taken place for over 100 years, and while Katla sleeps then visitors to Vík can go on excursions all year round towards Katla volcano and explore natural ice caves found in the glacier that sits on top of it. 

• See also: Katla Ice Cave Tour | Departure from Vik  

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon  holds a two-kilometre long river in South Iceland, is approximately 100 metres deep, with steep walls and narrow pathways. Fjaðrárgljúfur, notoriously unpronounceable for foreigners, is said as [ Fyath-raor-glyu-fur ]. 

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon has changed a lot over the nine thousand years it has existed; today, guests can explore the feature either from the walking path above the canyon or actually inside of it (though this will require some wading). 

• See also: Rivers in Iceland  

The bedrock of Fjaðrárgljúfur is palagonite, dating back to cool periods during the last Ice Age, approximately 2 million years ago. The canyon has taken on its strange and winding shape due to the river Fjaðrá, which begins at the mountain, Geirlandshraun. 

Visitors are urged to respect the path that winds itself on top of the canyon, as stepping off it damages the delicate grass and moss found there.

Kirkjubæjarklaustur Village

Kirkjubæjarklaustur , often known as simply “Klaustur”, is a small hamlet found on Iceland’s South Coast, to the east of Vík í Mýrdal, in the municipality of Skaftárhreppur.

This village, with a population of approximately 500 people, is the only location between Vík and Höfn where it is possible to utilise local amenities, including a petrol station, supermarket, post office and bank. 

• See also:   The Historical Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Systrafoss & Systrastapi in South-Iceland  

Kirkjubæjarklaustur has a long and important history in Icelandic culture, making it just one of the major reasons as to why a village of such a diminutive size can be so popular amongst tourists.

To begin with, it is widely agreed that Kirkjubæjarklaustur was home to Irish Monks long before the Settlement of the Norsemen . Then, in 1186, a convent of Benedictine nuns was to call the village home until the Reformation in the mid-1500s.

In ancient times, the village was called “Kirkjubær” (Church Farm), and served as the location where the local pastor delivered his “Fire Sermon”, a prayer that is said to have halted the furious Laki Eruptions in Iceland's Highlands that took place in 1783 and saved the town’s church.

Today, visitors can see the 1924 memorial chapel built as a testimony to this incredible event. 

• See also: The Highlands of Iceland | The Ultimate Guide  

Kirkjugólfið (“The Church Floor”)

Kirkjugólfið (“The Church Floor”) is an 80 m² square stretch of columnar basalt rock, imprinted in a field just east of Kirkjubæjarklaustur village. Despite this attractions name, Kirkjugólfið is entirely natural, a result of cooling lava flow that becomes contracted then cracks into a series of separate hexagonal columns.

Thus, there has never been a church on the site, merely an allusion to one. Despite this, the entire area does have its history deeply rooted in mysticism; it is said that Kirkjubær was so enchanted and sacrosanct to the early Christian settlers that pagans could not set foot there. 

• See also:  Top 9 Museums in Reykjavik 

Legend claims that Irish hermits (Papar) —the earliest settlers to the area—were the ones to lay down this protective spell. One story even states that a young pagan, Hildir Eysteinsson, failed to believe such magic could be possible and therefore attempted to move to Kirkjubær. Upon setting foot on the land, he fell down dead at once.

(As a side note, be aware that this enchantment has now, apparently, been lifted. Pagans as well as people of any religion or lack thereof are free to roam Kirkjubær to their heart’s desires.)

Dverghamrar (“Dwarf Cliffs”)

Dverghamrar (“Dwarf Cliffs”) is an area of hexagonal basalt columns found in South Iceland, approximately 10 kilometres east of Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Dverghamrar is a protected national monument. 

Dverghamrar is an excellent example of how mysterious and puzzling Icelandic nature can be, a fact driven home by the attraction's mythological name. 

• See also: Folklore in Iceland. 

According to folklore, Dverghamrar was once the home of dwarves, elves, hidden folk and all other manner of supernatural beings. Not only were they supernatural, but they were also a major part of Icelandic interpretation of Christianity, acting as followers to this new monotheistic religion. Christian "hidden folk" are referred to as "Light Elves" in Icelandic folklore. 

One reason that Icelanders believed this is due to a folktale revolving around a young woman in 1904 who claimed to ethereal singing originating from Dverghamrar, despite the fact she could see the site was empty. Listening closer, she could recognise the song as a Christian hymn,  ‘The Father in Heaven’. 

It is said that Dverghamrar was built by these ethereal creatures, a justified explanation given the lack of scientific understanding on the part of early Icelanders. 

Just like Kirkjugólfið, modern understanding dictates that the basalt columns were formed from cooling lava that quickly contracted, thus causing deep and distinctive cracks in the rock.  

Skaftafell is a preservation area located in the region of Öræfi (“The Wasteland”), southeast Iceland. Skaftafell was once a national park in its own right, having been established in 1967, but as of June 2008, has been incorporated into the enlarged Vatnajökull National Park. 

• See also:  Flying Drones in Iceland | All You Need To Know  

Skaftafell was originally inhabited as a farmstead not long after the initial settlement of Iceland and was even the location for a number of administrative meetings between different Chieftains. The Öræfajökull eruption of 1362 decimated the community in its entirety, making the area uninhabitable for long stretches at a time. Hence, the area has been referred to as “ the wasteland ” ever since.

Farmsteads continued to be re-established in the area, though each was met with insurmountable challenges, ranging from the infertile soil to frequent glacial flooding and ash clouds from the nearby volcano, Grímsvötn . Farming was finally discontinued in the area in 1988. 

Today however the region boasts incredible beauty, the country's tallest peak, Hvannadalshnúkur, as well as the country's tallest waterfall, Morsárfoss. There's a stark contrast between the green birch clad fertile ground right next to the enormous Vatnajökull glacier, making this one of Iceland's most popular hiking areas.

A short hike from the visitor centre brings people to Svartifoss waterfall, although the most popular hikes are the glacier hikes themselves.

Skaftafell boasts a popular camping site, as well as a visitor's centre and a small café. 

Top Skaftafell Tours

Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in both Iceland and Europe, with a total surface area of 8,100 km2 and an average width of 400 metres to 600 metres. Vatnajökull reaches a maximum ice width of approximately 1000 metres and boasts over thirty different outlet glaciers, giving you some idea as to the glacier's scope. 

Vatnajökull National Park covers approximately 11% of the country, blanketing canyons, mountains and even volcanoes, thus proving to be an excellent example as to why Iceland is known as the "Land of Ice and Fire".

Some of the island's most active volcanoes currently rest beneath the glacier, including Grímsvötn, Öræfajökull and Bárðarbunga . Scientists expect there to be a high level of volcanic activity in Vatnajökull over the next half-century. 

Vatnajökull is just one of the three national parks in Iceland, but is, without doubt, the largest, having absorbed both the historical Skaftafell National Park (est. 1967) and Jökulsárgljúfur (est. 1973).

The other national parks in the country are Þingvellir National Park, roughly forty minutes northeast from Reykjavík, and Snæfellsjökull National Park. Vatnajökull National Park was established in 2008 in order to protect the area’s eclectic wildlife. 

• See also: National Parks in Iceland  

It is so enormous that the possibilities of things to do within it are countless, however ice caving in winter and glacier hiking all year round are the most popular activities.

Most of the park is within the Icelandic Highlands, so in order to reach more remote parts of it a 4WD car is required. 

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon has some of the prettiest vistas in Iceland. This is an area of serene beauty characterised by its peaceful icebergs, the curious seal colonies and sweeping views over the ice caps and mountains of Vatnajökull National Park . Upon visiting here, the reasons become evidently clear as to why Jökulsárlón is colloquially titled “ The Crown Jewel of Iceland ”.

• See Also: Glacier Lagoons in Iceland 

Driving here from the capital, Reykjavík, will take approximately four and half hours without stops, meaning a return trip would see you driving for approximately nine hours - but you'll surely want to make several stops along the way.

The lagoon is always increasing in size, as it is formed by the glacier calving large chunks of ice into the lagoon. Through global warming, this phenomenon is rapidly increasing, and Jökulsárlón is now Iceland's deepest lagoon reaching a size of 18 square kilometres from when it first formed around 1934-1935. From the 1970's it has increased fourfold in size. 

Most visitors choose to spend an evening overnight at accommodation along the South Coast, either at Höfn, Vík í Mýrdal or Hvolsvöllur . 

With that being said, some do choose to make the trip in a single day, especially during the warm summer months when the Midnight Sun allows for nearly 24 hours of illuminated sightseeing. 

Just be aware that it's an extensive trip to make in a single day, as there are countless other attractions to be found along the way. 

If Jökulsárlón is the ‘ Crown Jewel ’, it’s also the ‘ Prize ’, the gold at the end of the winding rainbow we call the Icelandic South Coast.

Only five minutes walk from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, guests will stumble across the aptly named Diamond Beach, a strip of coastline where icebergs wash up onto the jet-black, volcanic shoreline. 

• See also:  Surfing in Iceland  

Diamond Beach is particularly beloved by photographers who relish the opportunity to snapshot the striking contrasts made between the pale blue ice and volcanic black sand.

Thanks to the icebergs' natural formation, no photo is ever alike, and the rolling tide presents a fantastic chance to experiment with timelapse, creating fantastic and surreal pictures that perfectly capture the area's unique, ethereal nature. 

• See also:   South Coast, Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Glacier Hike & DC-3 Plane Wreck | 2-Day Tour  

Höfn í Hornafirði

Höfn í Hornafirði (often shortened to simply ‘Höfn’) is a fishing village in southeast Iceland, sitting just near the Hornafjörður fjord. Between 1994 and 1998, the village was known officially as Hornafjarðarbær, before taking the name it is known by today, meaning “Harbour”. 

Today, the village is the second-largest urban settlement in southeast Iceland and boasts incredible views over Vatnajökull glacier. The surrounding landscape is characterised by shifting shoals and glacial rivers, with several small islands lying to the east of the village such as Mikley and Krókalátur. 

As for amenities, Höfn boasts more than most towns of its size (est. population: 2100). For one, the village contains a domestic airport, two banks, four schools, four hairdressers, a supermarket, a flower shop and computer repairs outlet, a gym, a golf course and numerous restaurants and hotels. 

Of particular note in the village, visitors can experience the Höfn Glacier Museum where, through their wealth of displays, they can learn about Vatnajökull's geology, ecology and history. Guests may also like to pay a trip to Gamlabúð ("Old Shop"), the oldest house in the village still in use today. And unless you're vegetarian or vegan, than you shouldn't visit Höfn without trying their famous langoustine, the specialty of each restaurant in town - there's even a langoustine festival held here each summer. 

• See also:   Top 10 Festivals in Iceland  

Höfn í Hornafirði is often utilised for overnight stops for tours travelling along the South Coast, particularly those that travel as far as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, or for those continuing east, rather than returning west to the capital. 

• See also: Mountains and Canyons in South-East Iceland

Have you visited Iceland's scenic South Coast, and if so, what was your favourite location? Are there any handy hints that you'd like to share with future travellers to South Iceland? Make sure to leave your thoughts and queries in the Facebook comments box below. 

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12 top places to visit in Iceland in 2024

Mar 12, 2024 • 8 min read

Iceland has lots to offer – here's our 12 favorite places to visit © evenfh / Shutterstock

Iceland appears on the must-do lists of many travelers – its charming cities and towns, other-worldly landscapes and astronomical phenomena keep the crowds coming back for more every year.

But how do you choose the highlights of your trip in a country packed with so many of them ? Don't worry, we've picked twelve incredible places, some of which are on the beaten path and some of which are not, but all of which might surprise you. Here are our favorite places to visit in Iceland  in 2024.

1. Mosfellsbær

Best for a quiet escape near Reykjavík

Reykjavík’s friendly rural neighbor is Mosfellsbær . Its biggest attractions are the small mountains that surround the town, including Úlfarsfell, Mosfell, Helgafell and Reykjafell – all great for short hikes. Lake Hafravatn is a gem that locals flock to for swimming and kayaking fun. Time your visit to coincide with the popular vegetable market that carries the produce of local farmers, open every Saturday in late summer in the valley.

The valley is also host to Gljúfrasteinn , a museum dedicated to Nobel Prize laureate Halldór Laxness, and Laxnes farm, which offers horseback riding tours. Álafosskvos is a tiny art and design village with a long-standing yarn store and local craft stores full of beautifully made items you'll want to bring home.

Planning tip: You can visit Mosfellsbær year-round. Þingvellir National Park is a short drive away – avoid the crowds by visiting between September and May .

Best base on the Golden Circle

In rural South Iceland lies Flúðir, best known for its mushroom greenhouse. If mushrooms are your thing, the greenhouse’s bistro offers all things funghi-related. Continue your gastronomic adventure and try authentic Ethiopian food at Minilik . Nearby is the Secret Lagoon , known locally as Gamla Laugin, and Hrunalaug , a small natural pool with stacked stone walls in the peaceful countryside. Flúðir is on the Golden Circle with some of the country’s best-known attractions within reach – it’s the perfect base for exploring the region.

Planning tip: It’s best not to visit Flúðir in the summer. It's the height of the tourist season, and spring and autumn are more enjoyable.

3. Stokkseyri

Best kayaking tours near Reykjavík

This charming South Coast village attracts foodies from far and wide to its seafood restaurant Fjöruborðið  – the lobster is especially popular. Kayaking in its narrow channels is a calm and fun activity, and the neighboring village of Eyrarbakki has beautifully restored timber houses and a heritage museum in a home that seems frozen in time. Nearby is Raufarhólshellir , one of the longest lava tubes in Iceland.

Planning tip: You can visit Stokkseyri and engage in most of the activities year-round, but service hours may change in winter, and kayaking depends on the weather.

Best base for glacial tours

In the kingdom of Vatnajökull , harbor town Höfn welcomes you with its lobster restaurants and stunning glacial views. This is a great base for exploring Europe’s largest glacier, from Jökulsárlón and other glacial lagoons with their floating icebergs to glacial hikes, snowmobile tours and ever-changing ice caves. Among local tour operators is the family-run company Glacier Journey .

Planning tip: You can visit year-round, but the ice-caving season is roughly from November through March. Glacial hikes are usually not possible at the height of summer. Always go with a guide and in good weather.

5. Borgarfjörður eystri

Best place for puffin-watching

The tiny village of Bakkagerði is surrounded by colorful mountains in Borgarfjörður eystri, one of the more remote Eastfjords. Getting there is an adventure in its own right as the road winds its way up and down a mountain pass. As you enter the village, time seems to slow down. Here you can relax and enjoy nature, go on hikes, explore on two wheels or treat yourself to a boat tour  and watch puffins up close from the bird-watching house on Hafnarhólmi.

Planning tips: To see puffins, visit from mid-May to early August. Christmas-related events take place during Advent, and snow sports are possible during winter.

6. Hallormsstaðaskógur

Best for camping in the woods

Visit Iceland’s largest forest and be amazed by its size. The campsite in Atlavík , on the banks of Lake Lagarfljót, is one of the country’s best and most popular among local tourists. There are 40 km (25 miles) of walking paths around the forest, so you can lose yourself among the trees and then climb up and enjoy the view of the lake – perhaps even catch a glimpse of the vicious wyrm that is said to inhabit it. Egilsstaðir, East Iceland’s largest town, is only 30 minutes away, and some of the region’s biggest attractions, like Hengifoss waterfall , are also close by.

Planning tips: Visit between June and August for camping. A forest festival is held around Midsummer’s Day, and mid-August to mid-September is the berry-picking season. Enjoy autumn colors from late August through October.

Best place for whale watching

Visit Iceland’s whale-watching capital and enjoy the friendly atmosphere as you stroll around the harbor. Joining a whale-watching tour of Skjálfandi Bay with one of the local tour operators is a must, perhaps combined with a bird-watching tour or a visit to Flatey Island , which was inhabited until the 1960s.

Learn more about whales at the fascinating Whale Museum , enjoy a beer at Gamli Baukur and try the salted cod at Salka Restaurant . Afterward, soak in the geothermal waters at Geosea and take in the gorgeous view of Skjálfandi. Húsavík is on the Diamond Circle and Arctic Coast Way.

Planning tips: Whale watching is available from March to November but is most enjoyable during the summer months.

8. Hauganes

Best place for a special bathing experience

There’s more than meets the eye at this hamlet on the shore of Eyjafjörður in North Iceland. The hot tubs on the beach have become quite the attraction, and it’s also tempting to brave the frigid waves. Try the salted cod at Baccalá restaurant and bar – it's prepared by local company Ektafiskur. You can also catch your own fish on sea angling tours and go whale watching from Hauganes. In the nearby village of Árskógssandur, Kaldi beer is brewed, and the brewery also offers beer baths . The ferry to the idyllic island Hrísey goes from Árskógssandur.

Planning tips: Visit for the midnight sun in the summer and northern lights in winter. Sea tours are best enjoyed in the summer.

9. Siglufjörður

Best for snow sports

Although it's best known as the location for the crime series Trapped , Siglufjörður is not scary at all. It’s a peaceful fishing community that used to be isolated – trapped, if you will – between tall mountains but has now been connected to the neighboring town of Ólafsfjörður by a tunnel. It was one of Iceland’s bustling herring processing centers during the boom that reached its height in the mid-20 th century.

This remarkable history is documented in the Herring Era Museum . Today, Siglufjörður is one of North Iceland’s centers for snow sports  – don't miss the popular Moroccan restaurant in town after a day on the slopes. Siglufjörður also has a beloved ski resort , and off-piste skiing is possible in the mountains of the Tröllaskagi peninsula.

Planning tips: Visit between January and March for cross-country and Alpine skiing at resorts. Off-piste skiing is usually possible through May. 

10. Hólmavík

Best base for exploring Strandir

On the northern coast of the Westfjords lies the fishing village Hólmavík, which has made a name for itself with its Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft . Diving into Iceland’s darker past, it tells tales of sorcerers and magic spells, witch burnings and other heinous acts. In a charming old house, Café Riis serves delicious pizzas and other treats.

The nearby town of Drangsnes has several  beachside hot tubs that could easily tempt you to spend the rest of the day gazing at the incredible scenery. A bumpy – and slightly scary – gravel road continues onwards along the Strandir region to some of Iceland’s remotest communities in Árneshreppur. At the edge of the world, you can book a night at Hótel Djúpavík .

Planning tips: It’s best to visit in summer as the road to the remoter communities is often hazardous or closed in winter.

Best place for quiet contemplation

In the middle of Breiðafjörður Bay, between the Westfjords and Snæfellsnes Peninsula , is an island which seems to have been lost in time. Only a handful of people live there year-round, but in summer the village comes to life when part-time residents come and stay in the beautifully restored houses. Walk around Flatey among grazing sheep and busy seabirds (watch out for the Arctic terns), look out at the ocean and find inner calm. The ferry goes between Stykkishólmur and Brjánslækur .

Planning tips: It’s best to visit in summer when the weather is more stable for sailing and more services are open.

12. Húsafell

Best resort for diverse experiences

In the innermost part of Borgarfjörður in the West, almost at the foot of Langjökull glacier, is the forested paradise of Húsafell – its hotel, campground and cottages have made it very popular among local tourists. There are both easy and challenging walking paths, including to the spectacular waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Glacial tours are available from Húsafell, and Víðgelmir , a massive lava cave, is just a few minutes away. You can soak in the on-site swimming pools or go on a hike to the more exclusive Canyon Baths .

Planning tips: Visit year-round. Summer is best for camping and hiking, and winter is best for viewing the northern lights.

This article was first published Apr 15, 2021 and updated Mar 12, 2024.

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