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What to see in South Iceland | Must-sees + little-known places
In this article we tell you What to see in South Iceland, including the most famous places and other lesser-known spots we discovered after living there for a year. Because yes, Iceland is full of tourist checklists… but its true magic often lies in the unnamed places where almost no one stops.
🗺️ Also, if you want to locatecar We easily have all the points we mentioned (and the rest of the country) for sale. iceland map with more than 400 marked locations. It will be super useful for planning!car!
What to see and do in southern Iceland
Let's get to it! We'll tell you The best places in South Iceland. You can also take a look at our guides for Reykjavik and the golden circle two other places that do not fail in any itinerary through southern Iceland.
Best waterfalls in South Iceland
If there is one thing that Iceland does not lack, it is waterfalls, and some of the most impressive are in the south of the country, although the north is not short of waterfalls like Dettifoss.
Gluggafoss Waterfall
A very little known waterfall to see in the south of Iceland but that It is well worth making the small detourParking is free and the waterfall is right next door.
seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is undoubtedly one of the Iceland's most impressive waterfallsI'd even say it's my favorite, although it's also very touristy, so I recommend going early or late in the day to avoid the crowded buses. If you arrive and there are a lot of people, wait in your car for a while: organized groups don't usually stay long.
The best thing about Seljalandsfoss is that you can walk behind the curtain of water, something you don't easily forget. Just bring a raincoat and overpants, because you'll end up soaked.
You can read… What to bring to Iceland | Checklist ✅
The official parking lot is paid, but we left the car in a small lay-by with no sign, about a 10-minute walk away. It's right in the direction of Gljúfrafoss, another very close waterfall that is also worth a stop.
Undoubtedly, An essential stop on any route through southern Iceland.
Gljúfrafoss, the waterfall inside the crevasse
Very close to Seljalandsfoss, just a few minutes walk away, is Gljúfrafoss, another must-see stop in southern Iceland. Unlike its neighbor, this waterfall is partially hidden inside a cave, giving it a magical feel and a much less crowded atmosphere.
To get there you will have to walk along a stream, stepping on stones until you enter the cave. But the effort is well worth it: seeing the water fall between the rock walls is an image that stays with you.
Skógafoss, the most famous to see in southern Iceland
Skógafoss is a one of the most impressive waterfalls in southern Iceland, and also very easy to access: you can see it from the parking lot itself. It has Meters 60 and a flow that leaves you speechless. If it's sunny, it's common to see a rainbow—or even several!—in front of the waterfall.
Next to it there is a staircase that leads to a higher viewpoint. From there begins one of the The most beautiful treks in South Iceland, which runs along the Skóga River between waterfalls and spectacular landscapes. The area around Skógafoss is one of the most epic places to see lupine in Iceland.
Kverufoss
Very close to Skógafoss is this lesser-known but spectacular waterfall. Kvernufoss is one of those must-sees in southern Iceland. that many travelers skip… and they shouldn’t!
Access is easy: from the parking lot it takes about 15 minutes along a well-maintained path. Once there, you can walk behind the waterfall, like Seljalandsfoss, but with much fewer people.
If you want to avoid paying for parking, you'll find free parking just a few meters away, allowing you to walk just five minutes longer.
Svartifoss
Svartifoss is One of the most original waterfalls to see in southern Iceland, with black basalt columns that served as inspiration for the Hallgrímskirkja cathedral in Reykjavik. Another very special place to see basalt columns is the Studlagil Canyon.
It is in the Skaftafell National ParkThe main trail departs from the visitor center parking lot: it's about 2 km one way, with some unevenness but is well maintained.
Other highly recommended routes also depart from here, which we'll tell you about below in the best trekking section.
Glacial lagoons to see in southern Iceland
One of the most striking things about traveling through southern Iceland is that you are driving and suddenly a huge lake appears in the distance.glacial tongue descending into the valleyIt's an unforgettable image. Some of these glacial tongues have formed spectacular glacial lakes, several of them easily accessible from the carretera.
Here we tell you What are the best glacial lagoons to see in South Iceland?.
Fjallsárlón
One of our favorites. This glacial lagoon, less crowded than Jökulsárlon, offers stunning scenery, especially if you're lucky enough to arrive at sunset. From the parking lot, it's less than a 10-minute walk, and the views of the glacier falling into the water are spectacular.
A zodiac tour can be taken with the local company Fjallsárlón Boat Tours, which is booked directly at their website (from approximately €66).
Svinafellsjökull
Another must-see glacier lagoon in southern Iceland. It's marked on Google Maps and easy to access. From the parking lot, it's a 15-minute walk to a viewing point, although you can also walk down to the shore. The best part is how close you are to the ice, a feeling difficult to describe.
Jökulsárlon, the most famous in southern Iceland
The most famous of all. And yes, it's usually crowded, but It is one of the most impressive landscapes to see in southern IcelandIcebergs floating by, birds flying over the water during nesting season, and, if you're lucky, a seal swimming among the ice floes.
You can explore it from different points, either by climbing a small hill for a panoramic view or by walking along the shore. Some people even dare to take a dip in its icy waters (although it's not recommended 😅).
To see the lagoon from the inside, you can take a boat tour: the amphibious boat is cheaper, but the Zodiac gets much closer to the glacier. You also have the option of taking a kayak tour:
Beaches and coastal landscapes to see in southern Iceland
The south coast of Iceland is full of unique landscapes: black sand beaches, cliffscarLandscapes and geological formations that look like they're from another planetHere are our favorites, both affordable and spectacular:
Diamond Beach, the beach of diamonds
Just a few steps from the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Icebergs calving from the Vatnajökull glacier They float out to sea... and many end up stranded on the black sand. The contrast between the ice and the volcanic sand creates one of the country's most unusual landscapes: Diamond beach, one of the best beaches to see in southern Iceland.
The number and size of ice blocks varies greatly depending on the day and season. The most common occurrence is in spring and autumn, and sometimes in winter it's so cold that none of them break off.
You can appearcar right next door or you can walk from the Jökulsárlón lagoon in about 10 minutes following the river.
Dyrhólaey Cliffs
These cliffs offer one of the most impressive views of the south coast. From the top of the viewpoint you can see the natural arch carved by the sea, the lighthouse and an endless black sand beach.
In summer, it's also one of the best places to see puffins. Keep in mind, though, that the carThe gate may be closed between mid-May and the end of June due to the nesting season (they will warn you at the entrance).
And if you can't get in, don't worry: 👉 Here we tell you where to see puffins in iceland.
Reynisfjara black sand beach
An essential stop. Reynisfjara is one of the most famous beaches in South Iceland thanks to its basalt columns, the power of the waves, its endless black sand, and the iconic Reynisdrangar rocks emerging from the sea. It also gained popularity thanks to its appearance in Game of Thrones.
Try to visit early or late in the day to avoid crowds. If the tide is low and the weather is good, you can walk to the Hálsanefshellir CaveWe tell you more in the guide Reynisfjara.
Gígjagjá, baby yoda cave
In the middle of an endless beach of black sand lies a giant rock formation with this peculiar cave reminiscent of Baby Yoda. Regardless of whether you're a Star Wars fan or not, I think it's an impressive site both from inside and outside the cave.
Access is via a dirt road which, although it has some potholes, is suitable for any vehicle; if you have a 4x4 you can continue driving past the cave (the carThe road becomes an F-road). We saw several cars disappear into the vastness of the beach!
Westman Islands, where few travelers arrive
During the summer a ferry leaves from Landeyjahöfn to visit the Vestman Islands, here you can consult the schedules.
Only one of the islands is inhabited, Heimaey, with barely 4000 people and 14km2. This houses some volcanoes such as Eldfell and Helgafell, waterfalls and volcanic beach landscapes beautiful. It is perfect to spend the day or sleep there in one of the accommodations or campsites.
Vestrahorn, Stokksnes Beach
Iceland is an endless collection of stunning landscapes. Almost there East Iceland one of the most iconic is found, Vestrahorn mountain on Stokksnes beach.
Also, if you go at the right time you will be able to see a perfect reflection in the wet sand, we will tell you everything in How to visit Vestrahorn.
Hiking in South Iceland
Iceland has such breathtaking landscapes that many travelers are content to admire them from the side. carRetera. But if you're up for going further, you'll love it. Doing some hiking trail in South Iceland It is a unique way to connect with nature.
Of course, keep in mind that most of them are just recommended from May to OctoberAnd those that go into the highlands, like the routes through Thakgil, they can have carAccess gates closed until mid-June and from mid-September.
Sjónarnípa, the best viewpoint to see in South Iceland
A short route within the Skaftafell National Park with which to have a different perspective of one of the glacier tongues. It is accessed from the same visitor parking lot, it is indicated and with a path in good condition, it is 6km round trip. It takes approximately 40 minutes to make the constant climb.
We haven't arrived yet, but if you want more you can continue climbing to the Kristínartindar peak to get the most epic view of the glacier. It's an 18-kilometer route with over 1.100 meters of elevation.
Glacier trekking and/or ice caves
One of the most amazing experiences you can have in the south of Iceland is to walk on top of a glacier or enter an ice caveBoth options are very special, but the ideal option will depend on the time of year you travel.
If you visit Iceland in winterWe definitely recommend taking a tour to an ice cave. It's something unique that can only be done this time of year. You can book one of the best excursions that combine glacier and cave.
If you travel in summerThe caves are closed, but you can go glacier trekking. Our favorite option is this: ➡️ 5-hour glacier trekking
It is a of the most complete excursions What to do in South Iceland. You walk for almost three hours on the ice, surrounded by spectacular formations.
And if you still don't know which one to choose or want to compare more options, here is a guide with the best excursions of Glacier trekking in Iceland.
Abandoned CD-3 plane
The famous abandoned plane in Iceland, which you've probably seen in many photos, belongs to the American military, which had to make an emergency landing in 1973.
The plane is located on Sólheimasandur beach To get there, you have to walk 4 kilometers from the designated parking area. Although the path is flat, there's usually an unpleasant wind that blows sand all over your face. cara.
There are also other options to get there, such as taking a space shuttle or quad tour which includes a stop there.
Múlagljúfur Canyon, the most beautiful canyon in southern Iceland
Múlagljúfur is a jewel without mass appeal.car from Iceland, one one of the most beautiful landscapes to see in southern Iceland.
It is accessed by a carThe 3-kilometer track has some bumps, so if you have a low car you'll have to be careful. The trail starts from the parking lot. that takes you to this wonder, the The total length of the route is 7km. and counting stops for lots of photos, you'll do it in about 2 and a half hours. You have the step-by-step details in the guide for visit Múlagljúfur
Thakgil, between waterfalls and glaciers
This area of southern Iceland is little known for tourism, It will be one of those places where you have nature to yourselfFor us, it's one of the best things to see in southern Iceland; we're so in love with it. carThe road that goes there, like the hiking trails and the campsite that are there.
You have the details of the routes in our guide. Thakgil, really, if you like hiking add this stop to your Iceland itinerary.
Fimmvörduháls route from Skógafoss
One of the most spectacular routes in southern Iceland: 26 waterfalls, a volcano and two glaciers. It starts from Skógafoss and follows the Skóga River to Thórsmörk, crossing brutal landscapes.
It is a demanding route (25 km and 1.400 m of elevation gain) and requires logistics to return in bus 4×4 (about €65). You can also do just the part of the waterfalls there and back (16 km), much simpler and with hardly any unevenness.
Hot Springs in South Iceland
Although the areas with More hot springs in Iceland They are near Reykjavik in the Reykjanes Peninsula, the north of the country and the Golden Circle, where there are spas as well-known as the Blue Lagoon, the Sky Lagoon o Fontana, there are also some options you can add to your days in the south.
📍 Best hot springs in Iceland
📍 Free hot springs in Iceland
In the two articles that we leave you in the box you will be able to see if any are close to your route. Of course, keep in mind that the south isn't the most geothermal area in the country, so if you're planning to tour the entire Ring Road, rest assured that you'll have plenty of hot springs to choose from in the north.
Others places to see in South Iceland
Eldhraun Icelandic Moss Fields
In the south of Iceland there are some giant fields of moss that have grown on top of the lavaThere's a small trail to see them up close; they're some of the fluffiest in the country, measuring between 40 and 60 centimeters thick. Remember to always use marked trails to protect the moss; it's extremely fragile.
Fjadrárgljúfur Canyon
Difficult name, but Easily accessible, it is a place you cannot miss in South Iceland.This nearly 100-meter-deep canyon has been forming for over 2 million years due to the erosion of the glacial river that runs through it.
From the parking lot there is a path that goes up to different viewpoints, the first one will take you no more than 10 - 15 minutes.
We have not had the opportunity to tour Iceland in a 4×4 but if it is in your plans to rent a 4×4 and tour the highlands (highlands) Here are some of the sites that I recommend you take a look at.
South Iceland in a 4×4
If you're traveling in the summer and renting a 4x4 vehicle, check out these places to see in southern Iceland.
- Haifoss Waterfall
- Hveradalir and Landmannalaugar, without 4x4 you can visit go with a tour.
- Thórsmörk Valley, with landscapes such as the Stakkholtsgja canyon or views of the entire valley from the Valahúkur peak
As you see, South Iceland is a true wonderNot only does it contain some of the country's most impressive and well-known sites, but it also boasts less touristy spots that will leave you speechless. Our recommendation is not to rush or plan ahead with a fixed list of stops.
If you need help organizing your trip, we have a section with all our articles about travel to iceland where you'll find everything from itineraries to practical tips for saving money and moving around independently.
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See you in the land of ice and fire!
