TOP 15 PLACES IN SOUTHERN ICELAND

The southern Iceland is one of the most beautiful and most visited areas of the country. It offers dramatic landscapes with waterfalls, glaciers, black beaches and volcanic areas.

1. SELJALANDSFOSS WATERFALL

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland. It is located on the south coast of Iceland, about 120 km from Reykjavik. The waterfall is fed by the Seljalandsá River, which originates from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier.

Its main attraction is the opportunity to walk behind the water wall, which offers a unique view of the falling water from a completely different perspective. Waterproof clothing is recommended as a shower of water is almost inevitable.

Nearby is the hidden waterfall of Gljúfrabúi, which is hidden in a small gorge and well worth the short walk. There's also a pay parking lot (pay by card or mobile app).

2. SKÓGAFOSS WATERFALL

Skógafoss is one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in Iceland. It is located on the southern coast and attracts visitors from all over the world with its grandeur and beauty. It is nicknamed the Rainbow Waterfall - thanks to the strong water current and wind, one or even two rainbows often appear in the mist.

Next to the waterfall, 527 steps lead up to a lookout point where you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and the Skógá River. The famous 25 km Fimmvörðuháls trek to the Thórmörk valley also starts from here.

There is a spacious free parking lot near the waterfall, including space for camping and tent camping.

INTERESTING

Near the waterfall is the Skógar Museum, which displays a ring that, according to Icelandic legend, was owned by Þrasi Þórólfsson, one of the first Viking settlers in this part of the island, who was considered a giant.

The legend tells the story of a golden treasure that Þrasi buried in 900 AD in a cave behind the Skógafoss waterfall. After his death, the local people tried to find the chest full of gold. When they succeeded, they tugged the chest from side to side and the ring that was on the side of the chest broke off and the chest fell back into oblivion, leaving only the ring. It was given to the local church and later to the local museum.

The museum is open 362 days a year and you pay 2,750 ISK to visit. For more information, visit https://www.skogasafn.is/.

3. SÓLHEIMAJÖKULL GLACIER

The Sólheimajökull glacier is one of the most famous and accessible glaciers in Iceland. It is located in the south of the country, approximately 160 km from Reykjavík, between the famous Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. It is a glacier of the larger Mýrdalsjökull glacier, which covers the Katla volcano.

The glacier has been shrinking significantly in recent decades due to global warming. It is estimated to have retreated by more than 1 km since 2000. Due to the constant changes in the ice, interesting formations have formed - crevasses, tunnels and caves. The glacier often contains black layers of volcanic ash that come from eruptions of Katla volcano. This ash at least partially protects the glacier from melting.

GLACIER EXPEDITION

On this glacier it is possible to take organized guided tours, which include climbing with crampons and ice axes. One option is Tröll Expeditions Solheimajokull.

During the three-hour expedition, you will have the opportunity to see the glacier tunnels, crevasses and volcanic remains from the volcano below the glacier up close. You will also get a breathtaking view of the southern coast.

Prices start at ISK 14,900. To book, visit https://troll.is/glaciers-in-iceland/glacier-tours/solheimajokull-3-hour-glacier-hike/.

4. REYNISFJARA BLACK BEACH

The black beach of Reynisfjara is one of the most beautiful and famous beaches in Iceland. It is located on the south coast near Vík í Mýrdal, about 180 km from Reykjavík.

Reynisfjara is the most dangerous beach in Iceland.

The beach is covered with fine volcanic sand, formed by the disintegration and erosion of lava rocks. Next to the beach are the impressive hexagonal basalt columns that resemble organs, known as Gardar. At low tide it is also possible to see the Hálsanefshellir cave, which is carved out of the basalt cliffs.

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR?

The beach is known for unexpected "sneaker waves" that can come from much further away than one would think. Accidents occur here every year, so it is important to stay a safe distance from the water. The area also often has strong winds that can lift black sand into the air and cause unpleasant conditions.

DYRHOLAEY

The Dyrhólaey rock arch is located near the black beach. It is a rock promontory famous for its giant stone gate in the sea and its spectacular views of the black beaches, the ocean and the glaciers. This place is one of the most photogenic spots in Iceland and also home to puffins in summer.

The distinctive formation that gave the place its name ("Dyrhólaey" means "Door Hole") is so large that smaller boats can pass through it!

5. FJAÐRÁRGLJÚFUR CANYON

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is one of Iceland's most beautiful natural attractions. It is located in the southeast of the country, approximately 250 km from Reykjavík.

The canyon is about 2 km long and reaches depths of up to 100 metres in places. It was formed by the erosion of the Fjaðrá River and the melting of glaciers approximately 2 million years ago. The canyon has green mossy walls and a winding river, which creates a fairy-tale atmosphere.

The place became even more popular after 2015, when the music video for Justin Bieber's I'll Show You was filmed here.

6. VESTMANNAEYJAR ARCHIPELAGO

The Vestmannaeyjar Archipelago (Vestman Islands) is a fascinating group of islands off the southern coast of Iceland. It consists of 15 islands and about 30 small cliffs and columns. The largest and only permanently inhabited island is Heimaey, which has a population of around 4,500. The islands were formed by volcanic activity, with the youngest island, Surtsey, emerging from the sea only in 1963 after an underwater eruption.

Due to its location, the archipelago boasts the highest average temperature on the island. In summer the temperature reaches around 20°C, while in winter the temperature rarely drops below freezing. This makes it possible to observe the largest colony of puffins in Iceland.

On the island of Elliðaey is the loneliest house in the world.

On the island of Elliðaey, which is part of the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, there is a famous house that is considered to be the loneliest house in the world. It has been uninhabited for almost 100 years and is currently the site of a nature reserve. The site is clearly visible from the ferry that runs from the south coast.

The biggest attraction of the island is the Eldfell volcano with its interesting red coloured gravel and rocks. The volcano last erupted in 1973, driving all the inhabitants off the island. The lava flow was not as strong as other volcanoes that have erupted in Iceland and so all the inhabitants managed to escape. Interestingly, the Icelandic government decided to stop the lava flow and divert it with water cannons in order to preserve life on the island. And that was eventually done.

TRANSPORT

Transport to the main island is provided by the Herjólfur ferry, which departs from a point on the south coast 14 km from the Seljandafoss waterfall. The round trip will cost you ISK 5,000. You can make a reservation on the website https://herjolfur.is/en/.

It is also possible to travel on the ferry with a car, for which you pay according to its dimensions. If you don't want to pay for a car, it can be left in the free car park located at the port. You can then rent a bike or scooter on the island. It is a good idea to book a bike at least a day in advance, as capacity is very limited and tourists use this option of transport around the island a lot.

Electric scooters are operated by Hopp and can be found in all major towns in Iceland. The island of Heimaey is no exception. You can pay through the app https://hopp.bike/.

The bike can be booked at https://visitwestmanislands.com/tour/rent-a-bike-in-westman-islands/. Prices start at 4,000 ISK / 5 hours.

7. JÖKULLSÁRLÓN GLACIAL LAGOON

The glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón is one of the most photogenic places in Iceland. It is located on the south-east coast, approximately 370 km from Reykjavík, at the foot of the Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe.

The lagoon is filled with huge chunks of ice that break off from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier (part of Vatnajökull) and drift slowly towards the sea. The glaciers in the lagoon are different shades of blue, white and black (due to the volcanic ash) and their appearance is constantly changing.

You will often see seals here and a variety of seabirds in the summer months.

CRUISE ON THE LAGOON

The cruise on the lagoon is operated by Icelagoon and offers two cruise options.

• AMPHIBIAN BOAT TOURS (30 min cruise on an amphibious boat)
• ZODIAC TOURS (more than an hour cruise on a motorboat) 

To book, visit the website https://icelagoon.is/tours/.

8. DIAMOND BEACH

Diamond Beach is located in close proximity to the Jökullsarlón glacial lagoon. The beach is covered with black volcanic sand, on which glitter pieces of glaciers washed up from the lagoon. The ice fragments come in different shapes and sizes - some are as small as glass crystals, others as huge as cars.

The best time to visit is in the morning or at sunset, when the sunlight creates beautiful contrasts.

There are paid parking lots nearby, which are common for visiting Diamond Beach and the Jökullsárlón glacial lagoon.

9. FJALLSÁRLÓN GLACIAL LAGOON

The glacial lagoon of Fjallsárlón is the smaller and less visited sister of the more famous Jökulsárlón, but it has its own magical character. It is located approximately 10 km southwest of Jökulsárlón, right at the foot of the Fjallsjökull glacier, which is part of the huge Vatnajökull glacier.

CRUISE ON THE LAGOON

Cruises on the lagoon are provided by Iceberg Boat Tours. Prices start at 10 500 ISK. For more information, visit https://fjallsarlon.is/iceberg-boat-tours/.

10. MULAGLJUFUR CANYON

Múlagljúfur Canyon is one of the most beautiful and lesser known canyons in Iceland. It is located in the southeast of the country, near the glacial lagoon of Fjallsárlón. Unlike the more famous Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Múlagljúfur is less visited by tourists. However, it offers dramatic scenery with a deep valley, green mossy walls, steep cliffs and two magnificent waterfalls.

Mulagljufur Canyon is Iceland's hidden gem.

The trail follows a narrow path that winds along the canyon to the top, where there is a fantastic view of the Vatnajökull glacier and its Öræfajökull glacier. The trail is 4 km long and starts at the free parking lot below the canyon (approx. 2 hours long).

11. SKAFTAFELLSJÖKULL GLACIER

The Skaftafelljökull glacier is one of the glacial splays of the huge Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Located in Skaftafell National Park, which is part of Vatnajökull National Park, it is one of the most accessible glaciers in Iceland. Unlike other glaciers in Iceland, there is a short and easy trail leading to it.

The glacier is surrounded by steep black mountains, green slopes and volcanic sediments. The Skaftafell area is also home to the Svartifoss waterfall, various hiking trails and glacier hikes.

12. SVÍNAFELLSJÖKULL GLACIER

Svínafellsjökull is one of the most impressive glaciers of Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Located in the Skaftafell area, which is part of Vatnajökull National Park, it is one of the most photogenic glaciers in Iceland.

The glacier is full of deep crevasses, ice towers and blue-white patterns created by the pressure of the ice. Unlike other glaciers, it can be admired up close without special equipment.

Scenes from films such as Interstellar, Batman Begins and Game of Thrones have been filmed here.

13. SVARTIFOSS WATERFALL

Svartifoss (translated as "Black Waterfall") is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. It is located in Skaftafell National Park, part of Vatnajökull National Park, and is famous for its unique basalt columns. The hexagonal basalt formations that surround the waterfall were created when lava cooled and inspired the design of the famous Hallgrímskirkja church in Reykjavik.

HOW TO GET TO THE WATERFALL?

• Starting point: Skaftafell Visitor Center.
• Length of hike: approx. 3 km round trip. 
• Difficulty: moderate - the trail goes up a slight hill, but is well marked.
• Duration: approximately 1.5 hours (depending on pace and photo breaks). 

14. SÓLHEIMASANDUR PLANE WRECK

On the deserted beach of Sólheimasandur on the south coast of Iceland lies the wreckage of an American Douglas DC-3 aircraft that crashed here in 1973. The wreckage has become an iconic photographic attraction, drawing adventurers and travellers from around the world.

The US Navy plane reportedly ran out of fuel, leading to an emergency landing on the beach. It was later revealed that this was a miscalculation of fuel, and the plane actually had enough fuel to return.

Previously, it was possible to drive to the wreck, but due to the large number of visitors, the road is closed to cars. However, you can use the shuttle bus to take you there and back. The price of a return ticket starts at 3,000 ISK. Another option is a 7 km hike that will take you about 3 hours.

15. SELJAVALLALAUG NATURAL SWIMMING POOL

Seljavallalaug is the oldest outdoor pool in Iceland and is located in a picturesque valley below the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. It was built in 1923 and is fed by warm geothermal springs, so it can be swum in all year round.

The pool is nestled between steep mountains and green slopes, creating a magical scenery. The water temperature is variable and ranges between 20 and 30°C, so it is not hot but rather lukewarm.

Entry is free, however there is no equipment. There is only an old concrete cabin that serves as a makeshift changing room.