South Iceland

The Golden Circle

You’re headed into the “volcano zone!” South Iceland is a masterpiece of volcanic activity and home to some of the island’s most celebrated natural wonders along the ‘Golden Circle’ route which is a real must for sightseers. Its centerpiece is Þingvellir National Park, where settlers established an assembly in AD 930 which has evolved into the world’s oldest parliament today. Þingvellir is also a masterpiece of nature, with a scenic lake and rifts which mark where the continental plates of America and Eurasia meet.

Other Golden Circle highlights include Gullfoss, the ‘Golden Falls’, a mighty two-tier waterfall on the Hvítá River, and the geothermal fields of Geysir. The Great Geysir itself is actually the namesake for all the other geysers in the English language. Geysir used to erupt at a skyscraper’s height, but after a series of earthquakes in the early 2000s has cooled down…at least for now. However, his baby brother Strokkur now picks up the slack, spouting every 4-10 minutes right next to his quiet counterpart. You can easily see the natural waterwork go off multiple times, and there is no admission fee!

Places to visit on the South Coast

The forces of nature in South Iceland have shaped not only the land but man’s life too. Off the south coast, the Westman Islands were evacuated in 1973 due to a volcanic eruption. However, the inhabitants soon returned and are thriving. The island can only be reached by ferry or plane, but it is well worth the extra effort. The soaring steep cliffs, the surrounding small islands, the roaming sheep and the clear volcanic evidence create the most incredible setting. The icing on the cake is the unique culture and friendliness of the locals, made even better with amazing restaurants and bars.

Now, let’s go back to visiting “mainland” South Iceland. The road from Reykjavík, the capital, first takes you into Hveragerði. Truly the town of flora and fauna, Hveragerði is where the path to Reykjadalur hot spring valley begins, which leads to a natural hot river you can bathe in! 

Next up is Selfoss, often dubbed the capital of the south. The Old Town area is full of beautifully restored historical buildings that feature artisinal restaurants, galleries, and even a museum dedicated to the traditional delicacy of skyr. The local swimming pool is also an excellent place for a refreshing geothermal dip!

Onwards, the road leads through Hella and Hvolsvöllur villages, and right after the waterfalls and glaciers begin. (Here you are about 1-1,5 hours out from Reykjavík.) This area is the location of Iceland’s star Eyjafjallajökull, the unpronounceable glacier-volcano that made itself known to the world in April 2010.

In the village of Vík, you’ll find the dramatic Reynisdrangar cliffs rising from the ocean, along with Reynisfjara beach, known for its black sand and spectacular patterns of basalt columns. A neighbouring cliff, Dyrhólaey, famous for its stellar bird scene but also for being a spot for pilot dare-devils in Iceland, but small airplanes have been flown through the hole a couple of times!

Into the Southeastern parts of Iceland

Next up are the glaciers, and they just keep getting bigger the farther east you go! Kötlujökull is the one with the all-year-round ice cave, Sólheimajökull is the one where you can go ice walking or even ice climbing on a day trip out from Reykjavík. Mýrdalsjökull is the one where you can go snowmobiling. However, the crown jewel is always Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap, and all its outlet glaciers.  They are hard to beat!

History is everywhere in south Iceland, too, spanning the whole range from the Saga Age farm at Stöng to the old bishop’s seat of Skálholt and the regional folk museum at Skógar. 

The southeast offers Europe’s largest glacier at Vatnajökull National Park where you can also experience the awe-inspiring Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, renowned for its boat cruises among dancing icebergs. Furthermore, the lagoon hosts active birdlife and the cute seals that pop up all around the lagoon. 

As the icebergs descend from the lagoon, they often drift onto the black sand beach Sólheimasandur that lies beneath the lagoon. The mesmerising sight of crystal-like icebergs resting on dramatic black sands has given the beach its name “the Diamond Beach”. 

Kirkjubæjarklaustur is another town about an hour from Vík. It is a quiet place with a relaxed lifestyle where sheep and horses roam the fields and people walk to the shops and restaurants. The town is known for its excellent farm-raised Arctic trout.

Few places in Iceland can match the wealth of contrasts found at Skaftafell National Park. Green woodlands and black mountains converge with sheer white glaciers in the shadow of the country’s highest peak, Hvannadalshnjúkur.

Waterfalls on the South Coast

• Seljalandsfoss
• Gljúfrabúi
• Gluggafoss
• Skógafoss
• Sýstrafoss
• Stjórnarfoss
• Svartifoss 

Touring the south coast of Iceland is extremely popular for visitors. Two magnificent waterfalls located there have become the most renowned waterfalls in Iceland, along with Gullfoss. Firstly, we’re talking about Seljalandsfoss, special for the fact that you can actually walk behind it. And, secondly, the powerfully photogenic Skógafoss waterfall, which is also the starting point of the Fimmvörðuháls hiking trail.

Many don’t know this, but right next to Seljalandsfoss you can find the charming cascade, Gljúfrabúi, tucked away in a gorge about 100 steps from the famed waterfall. They are both equally worth the visit! 

Once you enter Hvolsvöllur (before Seljalandsfoss), you can also take a turn inwards into Fljótshlíð and onwards to Gluggafoss waterfall. The parking lot for the waterfall is usually empty, as Gluggafoss is known to only a few, but it truly is a hidden gem!

Sýstrafoss and Stjórnarfoss are in the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area and can be found within walking distance of one another. They are worth a visit for anyone staying there! 

Lastly, we’ll mention Svartifoss, The Black Waterfall, located inside Skaftafell National Park. Svartifoss is the inspiration for Hallgrímskirkja church, thanks to the basalt columns that frame the waterfall in an awe-inspiring manner.

For more detailed information about attractions, villages and activities in South Iceland be sure to go through our destination guide.