There’s no shortage of amazing things to experience in Iceland, but the problem is having the time to fit in everything.
If it’s your first time travelling to the ‘land of fire and ice’, an exploration of South Iceland is the perfect introduction to the country. Many of the country’s highlights are situated in the south and along the country’s dramatic southern coastline. The Golden Circle, Reynisfjara, Svartifoss and Jökulsárlán Glacier Lagoon are just a few attraction to name.
There isn’t a single strip of land not worth visiting, but there are several highlights which would be a crime to miss. So to make it easier for you, I’ve put together this essential list of places to visit in South Iceland.
When is the best time to visit?
It depends on the activities you want to do. If you want to see the Northern Lights and go snowmobiling then you’ll have to go in winter. There’s also a chance to see the Northern Lights in Autumn and Spring if you’re lucky so that’s something to consider.
However, if you want to go hiking across Iceland’s stunning landscape and prefer longer days for sightseeing, summer is the season for you. Personally, I’d recommend going anytime from mid-May to the end of September if you want to spend a lot of time outdoors.
What’s the easiest way to travel around?
No doubt hiring a car is the easiest and most efficient way to ensure you visit all the key places at the pace you want. You can check dates, compare prices, and book a car hire via Rentalcars.com.
However, if you’re not a fan of hiring a car abroad, then you will still have plenty of opportunities to join day-trips from Reykjavik or many hotels across the South Iceland.
Best places to stay in South Iceland
If you’re going to be travelling around in a car I recommend staying overnight in a few different places.
As you’ll be exploring the Golden Circle I recommend Hotel Grimsborgir – it’s super dreamy with hot tubs and lots of other attractions within close driving. However, it’s a bit of a splurge so you can compare other hotels in the area too.
After a few nights drive further east to somewhere like Vik which is a good base for attractions such as Skaftafell, Dyrhólaey, Vik’s black beach and also the famed Jokularson Glacier Lagoon. Hótel Kría is super great with modern Scandic interior, gorgeous views and modern facilities.
Top 20 things to do in South Iceland
South Iceland has something for everyone all year round. Here’s the best of the best:
1. Seltùn
This geothermal site is a quirky area known for its bubbling mud pots, steaming mud pools and open fissures. It’s the closest thing you’ll get to Mars on Earth.
Read more: Seltún: Walking on Mars in Iceland
2. Reykjanes Peninsula
Seltun is located on the Reykjanes Peninsula which has many, many more unique sites of geological wonders. Spend time driving around this peninsula which has been dramatically changed by Iceland’s seismic activity. Places of interest include Kleifarvatn lake, Brimketill’s sea rock pool, Reykjanesviti coastline including the lighthouse and finally the geothermal site of Gunnuhver hot springs in Grindavik.
3. Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir is a National Park rich in natural beauty and usually the first port of call on the Golden Circle route that famously consists of Thingvellir National Park, Geyser area and Gullfoss. It’s the founding home to Althingi, the parliament of Iceland in the year 930AD. For this historic reason it was inscribed into the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1994.
4. Geyser Area
You will be left speechless as you watch Strokkur geyser erupt every 4-7minutes. With eruptions this frequent you are certain to get the shot you’re hoping for – watch as it begins to water begins to bubble, growing bigger and bigger, until it finally erupts metres into the air. Get your camera ready!
5. Gullfoss
At first, all that can be made out is the ferocious waters that seemingly disappear into the abyss below, but as you carry on walking, the entirety of the falls comes into view. A huge cavern of water, 61ft wide, engulfs the water from above, as it crashes and churns down into it. To describe the waterfall as powerful would be an epic understatement.
6. Kerid Crater
Kerið is a volcanic crater lake, characterised by its striking red volcanic rock walls and vibrant blue-green waters. It measures approximately 270 meters in diameter and 55 meters deep. Unlike many other volcanic craters in Iceland, Kerið is not covered in moss, giving it a distinct appearance.
Its appearance of steep circular slopes reminded me of an amphitheatre. So when I heard that Iceland’s most well-known musical export, Björk, had once held a concert on a floating raft here my observation was obviously not the first time someone had thought of it!
7. Exploring Laugarvatn Fontana’s Geothermal Spa & Bakery
Located in the heart of the Golden Circle route, Laugarvatn Fontana is home to natural steam baths, relaxing mineral pools, a Finnish-style sauna and a cold bathing lake.
If you’re impressed by the pools, then you’ll love the spa’s very own geothermal bakery. Here, you have the opportunity to witness the art of making pot-baked rye bread or rúgbrauð, followed by a delicious sampling session with locally sourced smoked trout and butter made on site!
8. Háifoss
Located near Helka volcano on the edge of the Highlands, is Háifoss. At 122m, it is the 4th highest waterfall in the Iceland. There are also several other smaller waterfalls within close proximity that all drop into the Fossá river to create a truly spectacular sight.
9. Enrich Your Skin at the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions is a fun place to experience the country’s unique geothermal activity. Yes, it can get busy, so I advise going in the evening. Alternatively, since it is located nearby the airport, it’s also good idea stopping by here on arrival into Iceland, or as a final treat to yourself before heading back home.
10. Or Soak in the Secret Lagoon
If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds at the Blue Lagoon, instead head to the Secret Lagoon. It’s a natural pool located in the village of Fludir in the Golden Circle area and is surrounded by several hot springs, including a little geyser, providing the pool with fresh warm water, maintaining a temperature of 38-40 °C – even during winter! The historical surroundings have been kept natural and simple for a unique and authentic experience.
11. Walk behind Seljalandsfoss
While driving along the ring road it’s easy to spot Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall that cascades 60m over a cliff. It’s one of the very few Icelandic waterfalls that you can walk behind. On the other side is a mossy cavern from where to admire the waterfall. Albeit from a different, misty-eyed perspective.
12. Skogafoss
Also known as ‘curtain waterfall’, Skogafoss is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Iceland and needs little introduction. Located only 25 minutes by car from Seljalandsfoss, these waterfalls easy to reach from each other. Let’s hope there’s a rainbow waiting here for you too!
13. Vik
One of the most popular destinations in South Iceland is the village of Vík. Situated in the foothills of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, Vík could be described as the capital of the Black Sand beaches. Few other places in Iceland offer as many contrasts in nature as Vik. The peaceful seafront is set along a dramatic stretch of coastline, poised between glacier topped mountains and the eerie basalt stacks which jut out from the water like witch’s fingers!
14. Basalt Columns at Svartifoss
Some Icelandic waterfalls will make you gush with superlatives due to their size, the number of tiers, or the fact you can walk right up to them. Others simply find themselves in incredible settings. Take Svartifoss for example. It’s not huge. It doesn’t make the ground tremble. It doesn’t even bother with rainbows. Instead, this modest 20m-tall horsetail plume has picked a prime spot in an amphitheatre of hexagonal basalt columns.
Svartifoss commands an almost cathedral-like sense of awe – and it’s perhaps no coincidence that Guthjon Samuelsson, the architect of Reykjavik’s striking Hallgrimskirkja cathedral, sought inspiration here. Make the pilgrimage to this revered waterfall at Skaftafell, the gateway to the Vatnajokull National Park. From the visitor centre, an easy two-hour round-trip walking trail features head-spinning views of the falls.
Read more: Hike to Svartifoss in Skaftafell Nature Reserve
15. Dyrhólaey
South Iceland is full of geological wonders and Dyrhólaey – a promontory that rises 120 metres above the sea – is certainly one of them.
A stone’s throw from Vík, the promontory is exposed to the elements and after years of being pumelled by waves, natural arches have been worn into the dark lava to create the unique appearance you see today. Come rain or shine this place offers an atmospheric allure. Arguably, however, its beauty peaks in the summer. At this time of the year, Dyrhólaey becomes a birdwatcher’s heaven. Bring your binoculars and watch all kinds of birdlife, including puffins nesting on the cliff face.
16. Into the Glacier, Langjokull
A day-trip from Reykjavik, head inside the world’s longest man-made ice cave, which happens to be located inside the world’s second largest glacier. Opened in 2015, the tour lasts almost a full day, but the time you have inside the cave is little over an hour so you can say the journey getting there is a large part of the adventure. The scenery alone offers killer views of Iceland, but the aspect of the journey that really, really raises the bar is the mode of transport – a whopping monster truck.
Further reading: Into the Glacier – Inside the World’s Longest Man-Made Ice Cave
17. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
It’s difficult to put the size of these icebergs into perspective; some are the size of houses, whilst others appear like flat, thick ice-sheets. All we know is that once you’ve seen Jökulsárlán Glacier Lagoon, you’ll never forget it.
Read more: The Almighty Jökulsárlán Glacier Lagoon in South Iceland
18. Turf-roof Church in a lava field
Did you know, with around 32 volcanic systems, 11% of Iceland is covered by lava fields, much clad in moss? This traditional 18th-Century turf church in Hof, Southeast Iceland, was created as protection from the elements and remains one of the last standing in the country today.
19. Go deep inside a volcano
Big enough to comfortably swallow the Statue of Liberty, the magma chamber of Thrihnukagigur (a dormant volcano near Reykjavik) is a technicoloured subterranean dreamworld that visitors can experience on an ‘Inside the Volcano’ tour. You’re lowered in an open elevator into the depths of the sleeping giant that last erupted 4,000 years ago.
You can book and read more about this tour here. It’s expensive but it really is a once in a lifetime experience. Tour includes a moderate hike across spectacular lava scenery.
20. Reykjavik
Finally, the last on the list of best things to see and do in South Iceland is Reykjavik, the quirky capital city of Iceland!
Looking for more inspiration?
If you enjoyed this post: 20 Awesome Things you can do in North Iceland
For a comprehensive guide on how drive Iceland ‘s entire ring road: 2-week Iceland Road Trip – Travel Itinerary & Tips.
