The Ultimate South Iceland Travel Guide: Top 10 Must-See Places 🇮🇸
If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a little corner of your brain that’s permanently dreaming of otherworldly landscapes. A place where nature hasn’t just shown up, but is putting on a full-blown, world-class performance. Well, that place is South Iceland. I’ll never forget my first trip; the feeling of being so completely small against a backdrop of giant glaciers and thundering waterfalls is something that stays with you.
Here at The Travel Tinker, we’re all about getting our hands dirty and crafting the perfect trip. So, get comfy, and let’s dive into this ultimate South Iceland Travel Guide. We’re about to explore the top 10 places that will not only fill your camera roll but also capture a little piece of your soul. Let’s get this show on the road!
💡 Stick around to the end for a suggested itinerary!
Your Essential South Iceland Travel Guide: Let the Adventure Begin!
South Iceland is, without a shadow of a doubt, the country’s glittering main stage. It’s where all the blockbuster natural wonders are crammed into one accessible, mind-boggling stretch of road. The famous Ring Road (Route 1) is your golden ticket, leading you from one jaw-dropping sight to the next. It’s a road trip that feels less like a holiday and more like an expedition to another planet.
1. The Glorious Golden Circle
First things first, let’s talk about the OG of Icelandic day trips: The Golden Circle. It’s not one spot but a 300-kilometre loop that’s the perfect curtain-raiser for your Icelandic saga. It’s popular for a reason, it’s a geological triple-threat that you can conquer in a single day out of Reykjavík. It’s mind-blowing!
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park: This place is genuinely nuts. It’s where Iceland’s ancient parliament, the Alþingi, was born way back in 930 AD. But even more impressive, it’s where two continents are literally ripping apart. You can walk in the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The feeling of standing between two massive forces of nature? Utterly humbling.
Geysir Geothermal Area: Get ready for some geothermal theatre! The air here is thick with the smell of sulphur (think slightly eggy, but you get used to it), and the ground steams and bubbles. While the original Geysir is having a bit of a nap these days, its little brother, Strokkur, is the star of the show. Every 5-10 minutes, it sends a super-heated jet of water roaring up to 30 metres into the air. The childish glee of waiting for it to blow is just the best.
Gullfoss (Golden Falls) Waterfall: Prepare to be humbled by sheer, raw power. Gullfoss is an absolute beast. The Hvítá river barrels towards it before plunging in two massive steps into a deep canyon. On a sunny day, the thick mist catches the light and creates a cascade of rainbows. It’s pure, unadulterated magic.
🔥 Recommended Tour: From Reykjavik: Golden Circle full-day tour with Kerid Crater
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Want to avoid playing elbow-tag with a thousand other tourists? Hit the Golden Circle super early (I’m talking 8 am) or go late in the afternoon. The big tour buses tend to clog the sites between 10 am and 4 pm.
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2. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
As you cruise east along the Ring Road, you’ll see Seljalandsfoss from miles away, a slender ribbon of white tumbling over a green cliff. But this is no ordinary waterfall. This is the one you can walk behind. And let me tell you, the experience of standing in that misty cavern, with a 60-metre curtain of water thundering down just inches in front of you, is an absolute core memory.
✋🏼 A word to the wise: you will get wet. Not a light spray, but a proper drenching. A good waterproof jacket and trousers are non-negotiable. It’s all part of the fun, though!
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3. Skógafoss Waterfall
Just a hop, skip, and a jump down the road is Skógafoss. If Seljalandsfoss is elegant and ethereal, Skógafoss is a heavyweight champion. It’s a perfect, 25-metre-wide rectangle of pure, brute force. Walk as close as you dare to its base, and you’ll feel the vibrations in your chest. The roar is deafening in the most wonderful way.
Feeling energetic? Tackle the 527 steps up the side of the cliff. I won’t lie, your legs will be screaming, but the view from the top looking down on the falls and out across the black sand plains to the ocean, is worth every single step.
💡 Fun Fact: Local legend whispers that a Viking buried a chest of gold behind Skógafoss. Part of the chest was supposedly found, but the rest remains hidden. Fancy a treasure hunt?
🔥 Must-do Tour: From Reykjavik: South Coast Tour & DC-3 Plane Wreck
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4. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Okay, brace yourself. Reynisfjara is one of the most dramatic and beautiful places on this planet. We’re talking jet-black volcanic sand, the booming sound of the North Atlantic, and the spooky Reynisdrangar sea stacks looming out of the water like petrified trolls.
The star attraction is Garðar, an incredible wall of basalt columns that looks like a giant’s staircase to the heavens. It’s a photographer’s dream, but I have to be serious for a moment: this place is dangerous. The waves are nicknamed “sneaker waves” for a reason. They are unpredictable and incredibly powerful. Never, ever turn your back on the water. Stay well clear of the surf.
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5. The Charming Village of Vík í Mýrdal
After the wild drama of Reynisfjara, the tiny, peaceful village of Vík is a sight for sore eyes. It’s the southernmost village in Iceland, marked by its iconic red-roofed church sitting proudly on a hill. It’s the perfect punctuation mark on a wild coastal drive.
Vík is your go-to spot for a pit stop. Grab a hot coffee, refuel the car, and maybe treat yourself to a bowl of life-affirming Icelandic lamb soup. It’s a tiny village with a massive heart, and the perfect basecamp for exploring the coast.
🔥 Top-Rated Tour: Vik: LAVA SHOW – Immersive Experience Entry Ticket
Need accommodation!?! We all love Booking.com, right?
6. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Thanks to a certain pop star’s music video, Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon is no longer a hidden secret. But don’t let that put you off. This place is breathtaking. It’s a two-kilometre-long, 100-metre-deep serpent of a canyon, carved out over millennia by the Fjaðrá river.
There’s a beautiful walking path along the canyon’s rim, with viewpoints that just get better and better. Please, I beg you, stick to the marked paths. The moss here is ancient and incredibly fragile. We all need to do our part to keep this place beautiful.
🔥 Want to find all the best places to eat, shop, and explore? Use our Google Maps Legend! Everything you need all on the google maps app!
7. Skaftafell Nature Reserve
Skaftafell is a hiker’s heaven. It’s a stunning, green oasis wedged between the black sand desert and the gigantic Vatnajökull glacier. After a few days of driving, it feels amazing to get out, stretch your legs, and breathe in the crisp, clean air.
The must-do hike here leads to Svartifoss (Black Fall). It’s a gorgeous waterfall framed by hanging columns of black basalt, like a natural church organ. The hike is a gentle 90-minute round trip and the perfect way to spend an afternoon
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8. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 🧊
Right, this is it. The showstopper. The grand finale. I don’t think I have enough words to describe the beauty of Jökulsárlón. It’s a vast, still lagoon filled with colossal icebergs that have calved off a nearby glacier. These chunks of ancient ice, some a thousand years old, float silently towards the sea in every shade of white and electric blue imaginable.
You can just stand on the shore, mesmerised, or hop on a boat tour to get up close and personal with the ice. I’ll never forget hearing the crack and groan of the glacier in the distance, and watching seals lazing on the floating ice. This isn’t just a highlight of a Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon visit; it’s a highlight of life.
🔥 Tinker’s Recommended Tour: Reykjavik: South Coast, Diamond Beach, and Jökulsárlón Tour
9. Diamond Beach
Just across the road from the lagoon lies Diamond Beach. This is where the icebergs meet their fate. After floating out to sea, the tide pushes them back onto a black sand beach. The result? A shoreline scattered with glittering, glass-like chunks of ice that look like diamonds against the dark sand.
Every tide brings a new collection of “diamonds,” so the beach is never the same twice. Picking up a smooth, clear piece of thousand-year-old ice is a moment of pure, simple magic.
10. Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
For something a bit different, a little eerie, a little post-apocalyptic, you have to see the Sólheimasandur plane wreck. The shell of a US Navy DC-3 that crash-landed here in 1973 sits starkly against the endless black sand. Everyone survived, thankfully, leaving behind this hauntingly beautiful monument to resilience.
✋🏼 Heads up: You can’t drive to it anymore. It’s a 4km (one-way) walk from the car park on the Ring Road. It’s flat but can be brutally windy. Think of it as a pilgrimage. Seeing the wreck slowly emerge on the horizon is an unforgettable sight.
Putting It All Together: A Suggested South Iceland Itinerary
Okay, so you’ve got the list, but how do you piece it all together? Here’s a sample itinerary to get you started.
The Whirlwind 4-Day Dash:
Day 1: The Golden Circle. Arrive at Keflavík, pick up your hire car, and head straight for the Golden Circle. See Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss. Overnight near Hella or Hvolsvöllur.
Day 2: Waterfalls & Black Sand. Hit the road early. Stop at Seljalandsfoss (walk behind it!) and Skógafoss. Then, head to Reynisfjara beach and end your day in the charming village of Vík. Overnight in or near Vík.
Day 3: Glaciers & Diamonds. Drive east through epic landscapes towards Skaftafell for a quick hike to Svartifoss. The afternoon is all about the main event: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Overnight near Höfn or Jökulsárlón.
Day 4: The Long Drive Back. Enjoy one last look at the icebergs before starting the 4-5 hour drive back towards Reykjavík or Keflavík airport, maybe stopping at Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon on the way if time permits.
The Explorer’s 6-Day Adventure:
Follow Days 1-3 above, but with a more relaxed pace. Then add:
Day 4: Ice Caves & Eastern Wonders. Spend the morning on a guided ice cave tour (winter only) or a glacier hike from Skaftafell. Continue driving east to the lovely fishing town of Höfn, famous for its langoustine. Overnight in Höfn.
Day 5: The Return Journey & Hidden Gems. Start heading west again. This is your chance to revisit a favourite spot or check out something you missed, like the Sólheimasandur plane wreck or the Dyrhólaey cliffs near Vík. Overnight near Selfoss.
Day 6: Reykjanes Peninsula & Departure. Before heading to the airport, explore the Reykjanes Peninsula or take a relaxing dip in the Blue Lagoon. A perfect end to an epic trip.
So there it is. Your cheat sheet to the wonders of South Iceland. It’s a place that grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let go. And, it is still my favourite place I have visited! Unbelievable place!
This South Iceland Travel Guide is just the map! The real adventure begins the moment you step out of the car, take a deep breath of that crisp Icelandic air, and just say “wow.” Have a good one! 🌍 ✨
Your turn, travellers…
I’d love to hear from you! What are you most excited to see in South Iceland? Or if you’re a veteran of this incredible road trip, what was the moment that took your breath away? Share your stories in the comments below!👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
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South Iceland Travel FAQs
What's the best time of year to go to South Iceland?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Honestly, there’s no wrong answer. Summer (June-August) is glorious, with the Midnight Sun giving you endless hours to explore. Winter (October-March) is a totally different beast—it’s darker, colder, but you get a chance to see the Northern Lights in Iceland and explore otherworldly ice caves. The shoulder seasons (spring/autumn) are a sweet spot with fewer crowds and decent weather.
How many days do I actually need?
You could blitz the main sights in 3-4 days, but you’d be rushing. To really breathe it all in, tackle a few hikes, and have a buffer for Iceland’s famously fickle weather, I’d give it 5-7 days. It’s a trip you want to savour, not speed through.
Is driving in South Iceland a nightmare?
In summer, the Iceland Ring Road along the south is a piece of cake—it’s paved and easy to navigate. But always, always check vedur.is (weather) and road.is (road conditions) before you set off. In winter, it can be genuinely treacherous. If you’re not an experienced winter driver, I’d strongly recommend joining a tour instead of driving yourself.
So, can I see the Northern Lights?
You bet! South Iceland is a phenomenal place for an aurora hunt. You just need three ingredients: total darkness (visit between September and April), clear skies, and a bit of solar activity. Get away from the lights of Vík or other towns. Imagine watching them dance over the Jökulsárlón icebergs… pure magic.
What on earth should I pack?
Layers! And then more layers! The key to happiness in Iceland is a good layering system. My must-haves are:
Waterproof/windproof jacket and trousers (seriously, don’t skimp on these).
Thermal base layers.
A cosy fleece or wool sweater.
Waterproof hiking boots with good grip.
A warm hat, gloves, and a scarf (yes, even in summer!).
Your swimmers for a dip in a hot spring!
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource.
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
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Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! I created The Travel Tinker as a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel, allowing you to tinker your own travels! Let's explore!
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