Iceland 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.
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Traveling around southern Iceland is very easy – the roads are well-maintained and easy to navigate, and distances are manageable.
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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
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
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.
fa*gradsafjall Volcano
The fa*gradsafjall 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 fa*gradsafjall 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.
Hrunalaug
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
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.
Skogafoss
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
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.
Lamb Stew
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.
Hakarl
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 – youcan 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
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- 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
