The land of fire and ice, Iceland is like no other place on earth. There is no shortage of incredible landscapes, from glacial-topped volcanoes to magnificent waterfalls and black-sand beaches. Not only will you find some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, but also a plethora of outdoor activities to experience. In this travel guide, you will learn about the best things to see and do along the southern coast of Iceland. Plus you will find our easy-to-customize sample itinerary to help you plan your adventure.
When to Go
The best time to visit Iceland depends on what you want to experience. Most people visiting Iceland go in the summer (i.e., June – August) to experience pleasant temperatures and the midnight sun, which means nearly 24 hours of daylight. This is the best time of year for hiking and camping. The bad part about visiting during these months is that popular attractions are much busier and prices tend to be more expensive. Shoulder season (i.e., May and September) offers a balance between decent weather and fewer crowds. Winter in Iceland (i.e., October – April) means long nights, short days, and colder temperatures (ranging from 14°F to 32°F or -10°C to 0°C). It’s the best time to see the northern lights and enjoy winter activities like ice caving and skiing.
What to See and Do
Wildlife Watching Tours
If you are visiting Iceland in the summer, book a wildlife tour. Several tour companies in Reykjavik offer both whale and puffin-watching tours. Whale-watching tours typically take you out into Faxaflói Bay, where you can spot humpback whales, minke whales, porpoises, and dolphins. Puffin-watching tours visit colonies on nearby islands, such as the islands of Akurey and Lundey. Popular tour companies include Special Tours and Elding Whale Watching.
Hallgrímskirkja
This iconic landmark is one of the most famous architectural marvels in Reykjavik. The church’s unique design was inspired by the basalt lava flows commonly found in Iceland’s landscape. The church stands at 74.5 meters (244 feet) tall, making it the tallest building in Iceland. At the top of the church is a viewing platform that provides panoramic views of Reykjavik and beyond. The interior of Hallgrímskirkja is relatively simple compared to its impressive exterior. The spacious nave is adorned with minimalistic decor, featuring clean lines and natural light streaming in through tall windows. The highlight of the interior is the massive pipe organ, which is one of the largest in Iceland. Hallgrímskirkja is not only a place of worship but also a popular tourist attraction in Reykjavik. Visitors can tour the inside of the church and take an elevator to the viewing platform for excellent views.
Blue Lagoon
One of Iceland’s most famous attractions, Blue Lagoon is a large, man-made geothermal spa fed by water from the nearby Svartsengi power plant. The water is rich in minerals, silica, and algae, which are believed to have various skin-healing properties. The lagoon is known for its vivid blue color and warm temperatures with averages around 37-39°C (98-102°F). Blue Lagoon offers a range of facilities, including changing rooms, showers, lockers, and rental services for towels and bathrobes. All visitors are required to shower before entering the water. There’s also a cafe where visitors can enjoy refreshments and light meals overlooking the lagoon. In addition to soaking in the mineral-rich waters, visitors can indulge in various spa treatments, such as massages, facials, and silica mud masks.
Blue Lagoon is a popular tourist destination and can get quite busy, especially during peak seasons. It’s advisable to book tickets in advance to secure your entry.
Raufarhólshellir
One of the longest lava tubes in Iceland, Raufarhólshellir offers a fascinating glimpse into the volcanic activity that shaped Iceland’s landscape. The lava tube was formed from a volcanic eruption over 5,000 years ago and is about 1,360 meters (4,461 feet) long and reaches heights up to 10 meters (33 feet) in some sections. It has several large chambers and multiple entrances, providing varied and dramatic scenery. Inside the lava tube, visitors can see colorful mineral deposits on the walls, stalactites, and stalagmites of lava.
Guided tours are available year-round and are highly recommended for safety and to enhance the visitor experience. The tours include helmets and headlamps, as the cave can be quite dark and uneven. The standard tour takes about an hour and covers the main accessible areas of the cave. There is also an extreme tour for those looking for a more adventurous experience.
Thingvellir National Park
Thingvellir is situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The rift valley created by the plates drifting apart is clearly visible, making it a unique place to witness geological processes. Not only is the park a geological wonder but it is also known for its historical significance. The Icelandic Parliament was established in 930 AD and Thingvellir was the site of its outdoor assemblies until 1798. Important historical events, including the adoption of Christianity around the year 1000, took place here.
Today, Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist destination. The park features dramatic landscapes with lava fields, mountains, and lakes. Notable highlights include Öxarárfoss Waterfall, Thingvellir Church, and Lake Thingvallavatn. Visitors can enjoy hiking along the various trails to see the sights. The Silfra fissure, a popular diving and snorkeling site, is part of this rift and offers crystal-clear waters and stunning underwater views.
Kerid Crater
This striking volcanic crater lake is renowned for its vivid red slopes, which contrast sharply with the deep aquamarine waters. Kerid’s unique formation was formed from a cone-shaped volcano that erupted and collapsed into its empty magma chamber. This has resulted in the intact caldera that is visible today. The crater is about 55 meters (180 feet) deep, 170 meters (558 feet) wide, and 270 meters (886 feet) in circumference. Visitors can hike around the rim of the crater, which takes about 15-20 minutes. There is also a path leading down to the water’s edge.
Geysir Hot Springs
One of Iceland’s most famous geothermal features, Geysir has been active for approximately 10,000 years. Although, the eruptions have varied over time. In its prime, it could shoot boiling water up to 70 to 80 meters (230 to 260 feet) into the air. However, it has become less active in recent years and erupts infrequently. Strokkur, another geyser located in the same geothermal area, is much more reliable and erupts every 5-10 minutes, reaching heights of 20 to 30 meters (65 to 98 feet). It is the primary attraction for visitors today due to its frequent activity. The Geysir geothermal area has walking paths, informational signs, and facilities to help visitors learn about and safely enjoy the geothermal features.
Gullfoss
One of Iceland’s most breathtaking waterfalls, Gullfoss (meaning “Golden Falls”) has a stunning two-tiered drop and powerful flow. The upper falls is about 11 meters (36 feet) high, whereas the lower one is approximately 21 meters (69 feet) high. The water cascades down a narrow gorge with walls reaching up to 70 meters (230 feet). On sunny days, the waterfall is usually accompanied by rainbows, making it especially picturesque. Visitors can admire the waterfall from several viewing platforms located along its edge, providing different perspectives of this magnificent spectacle.
Seljalandsfoss
One of Iceland’s most famous and picturesque waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss has a drop of approximately 60 meters (197 feet). A unique feature of Seljalandsfoss is the path that allows visitors to walk behind the waterfall. This provides a rare and breathtaking perspective of the falls and the surrounding landscape. The path behind the waterfall is accessible during the warmer months, but it can be slippery and wet. As a result, visitors should wear appropriate footwear and exercise caution. A short trail to the left of Seljalandsfoss takes visitors to another beautiful waterfall.
Thórsmörk
Named after the Norse god Thor, Thórsmörk is a stunning nature reserve in the southern highlands of Iceland. It is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, hiking trails, and rich vegetation. The region’s geology is shaped by volcanic activity, with eruptions from nearby Eyjafjallajökull and Katla playing a significant role in the landscape. The volcanic soil contributes to the area’s fertility, supporting its rich plant life. Reaching Thórsmörk can be challenging, especially during certain times of the year. The roads to the nature reserve are rugged and involve crossing unabridged rivers. Therefore, a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle is essential. Other options include booking a ticket on a river bus or a jeep safari tour.
Skógafoss
Another beautiful Iceland waterfall, Skógafoss is about 60 meters (197 feet) high and 25 meters (82 feet) wide. The sheer volume of water creates a powerful cascade that produces a significant amount of mist, often resulting in beautiful rainbows on sunny days. The waterfall is fed by the Skógá River, which originates from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier and volcanic area. Visitors can view Skógafoss from the base, where they can get close to the waterfall and feel the mist. There is also a staircase with over 500 steps that leads to a viewing platform at the top of the waterfall. From the top, visitors are rewarded with stunning views of the cascade and the surrounding landscape.
Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey is a small promontory with dramatic coastal views, rich birdlife, and unique geological features. The most distinctive feature of Dyrhólaey is its large natural arch, formed by coastal erosion. This arch is large enough that small boats can pass through it. From the top of Dyrhólaey, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. To the west, the black sand beaches stretch toward the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, and to the east, the Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise from the ocean near Vík.
Dyrhólaey is a significant nesting site for Atlantic puffins, especially during the summer breeding season from May to August. Puffins can be seen nesting in the cliffs and flying to and from the ocean to catch fish. There is a road leading up to the top of Dyrhólaey, with parking areas and marked walking paths.
Reynisfjara
Located on the southern coast, Reynisfjara is one of Iceland’s most famous and striking black sand beaches. It is known for its dramatic landscape, powerful waves, and unique geological features. The sand is composed of finely ground volcanic rock, primarily basalt, which gives it its distinctive dark color. Another highlight of Reynisfjara is the cliff face of basalt columns that create a visually stunning, geometric pattern. Beautiful rock formations rise from the ocean and add to the area’s picturesque setting. According to Icelandic folklore, these sea stacks were once trolls turned to stone by the rising sun while attempting to drag a ship to shore. The Atlantic Ocean waves at Reynisfjara are notoriously powerful and unpredictable. Known as “sneaker waves,” they can quickly surge up the beach and pose a significant hazard to visitors. It is crucial to maintain a safe distance from the water’s edge and heed warning signs.
Fjaðrárgljúfur
This stunning canyon is approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long and up to 100 meters (328 feet) deep. The canyon is characterized by steep walls, lush greenery, and a river winding through it. There are well-marked hiking trails along the edges of the canyon that provide spectacular views. The canyon is beautiful year-round, with lush green landscapes in the summer and a mystical, snowy appearance in the winter. However, additional equipment may be needed in the winter (e.g., crampons or microspikes).
Skaftafell & Svartifoss
This area features a mix of glacial landscapes, lush valleys, and waterfalls, creating a unique and varied environment. Skaftafell is a glacier tongue spurting from Iceland’s largest ice cap, Vatnajökull. From the parking lot, the trail to Skaftafell is about 4.6 kilometers round trip (2.9 miles). Guided glacier walks and ice climbing tours are also available, providing a closer look at the ice formations and crevasses.
Svartifoss, or “Black Falls,” is renowned for its striking backdrop of dark hexagonal basalt columns resembling organ pipes. These formations were created by cooling lava. The unique appearance of Svartifoss has inspired Icelandic architecture, most notably the Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavík. The hike to Svartifoss is approximately 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) round trip and starts from the Skaftafell Visitor Center.
Diamond Beach
This breathtaking black sand beach is named for the icebergs that wash ashore. This natural wonder highlights the dynamic interaction between ice, volcanic sand, and the ocean. The icebergs range in size and shape, and their blue and white hues create a dazzling effect against the black sand. Diamond Beach is stunning year-round. In winter, the icebergs are often more abundant, and the beach can be covered in snow, adding to its ethereal beauty. In summer, the area is more accessible, and the icebergs create a refreshing contrast to the warmer temperatures.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
Just across the road from Diamond Beach, Jökulsárlón is one of Iceland’s most famous and beautiful glacier lagoons. The strikingly blue lagoon is filled with icebergs of various sizes and shapes. It is also a great place to spot wildlife as seals are frequently spotted swimming among the icebergs or resting on them. Boat tours are available from April to November, allowing visitors to get close to the icebergs and learn about the lagoon’s formation and the glacier’s dynamics.
Vatnajökull Glacier
Covering an area of approximately 8,100 square kilometers (3,100 square miles), Vatnajökull Glacier is the largest glacier in Europe by volume and area. It accounts for about 8% of Iceland’s total land area. Vatnajökull sits atop several active volcanoes, which lead to eruptions that melt large portions of ice. This process results in dramatic and sudden changes in the landscape. Vatnajökull offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, including guided glacier hikes and ice climbing. These tours provide an up-close experience of the glacier’s crevasses, ice formations, and stunning blue ice caves. During the winter months, ice caves form within the glacier. These caves, created by the melting and refreezing of glacial ice, are accessible through guided tours and offer a unique experience.
Go on a Hike
Iceland is a hiker’s paradise, offering a range of trails that showcase its stunning landscapes, from glaciers and volcanoes to waterfalls and geothermal areas. Here are some of the best hiking trails in southern Iceland:
Esja Mountain
Located near Reykjavik, Esja offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. The hike is approximately 7.7 kilometers (4.8 miles) and takes about three hours to complete. It is classified as a hard trail. Although it is open year-round, the best time to hike Esja Mountain is between May and October.
Glymur Waterfall Hike
Iceland’s second-highest waterfall, Glymur plunges 198 meters (650 feet) into a narrow canyon. This challenging hike involves river crossings, muddy conditions, and steep climbs. However, the stunning views of the falls and the surrounding landscape are incredibly rewarding. This trail is approximately 6.6 kilometers (4.1 miles) round trip and takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. The best time to hike to Glymur Waterfall is between May and September.
Laugavegur Trail
One of Iceland’s most famous trekking routes, the Laugavegur Trail runs from Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk, covering diverse landscapes including hot springs, mountains, and glaciers. The trail is approximately 52.1 kilometers (32.4 miles) one-way and takes approximately 4 to 6 days. It is classified as a hard trail. The best time to hike the Laugavegur Trail is between late June and early September.
Fimmvörðuháls Trail
This trail starts in Skógar, near the Skógafoss waterfall, and ends in Thórsmörk. It passes by 26 waterfalls, crosses a volcanic plateau between two glaciers, and offers stunning views of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. The trail covers a distance of approximately 23.8 kilometers (14.8 miles) one way and takes approximately 1 to 2 days to hike. It is classified as a hard trail. The best time to hike the Fimmvörðuháls Trail is from July to early September.
Valahnúkur Mountain Trail
The summit of Valahnúkur Mountain offers stunning panoramic views of Thórsmörk, including the surrounding valleys, rivers, and glaciers such as Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. The trail is approximately 9.9 kilometers (6.2 miles) and takes 3 to 4 hours to complete. It is classified as moderately difficult. The best time to hike Valahnúkur Mountain Trail is from late June to early September when the weather is more stable, and the trails are free of snow.
Reykjadalur Hot Springs Trail
This trail leads to a geothermal river where hikers can bathe in naturally heated waters. Reykjadalur Hot Springs Trail is approximately 7.8 kilometers (4.9 miles) round trip and takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. It is classified as moderately challenging. The trail can be hiked year-round, but additional equipment may be needed in winter.
Southern Iceland Itinerary
Are you ready to start planning your Iceland Adventure? Start by downloading are easy-to-customize sample itinerary. Easily make changes to the document to make it fit your schedule and interests.