Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by Sam
With over 10,000 waterfalls etched into spectacular landscape, Iceland is an essential travel destination with so many great things to do! Amazing places are found throughout the island – from glacial lagoons to towering volcanoes to vast canyons. There’s no shortage of incredible places to see, and with so much to do you’ll even find beautiful spots off the beaten path and free of tourist crowds. If it’s your first time in Iceland, you can’t go wrong exploring the magnificent destinations found in the Southern Region. Home to the famous golden circle route, some of Iceland’s best-known attractions are found here. To make best use of your time, we recommend hiring a car to self drive along the South coast. It’s one of the best money saving tips for travelling Iceland, and also allows you to arrive at these sites in South Iceland before they get busy with tour groups later in the day. Check out the list below of 10 must see attractions and things to do in South Iceland – all which can be done as part of a road trip at your leisure as part of your itinerary here.
It’s much easier to explore these wonderful places in South Iceland if you rent a car and can drive yourself. We recommend arranging your rental through the Discover Cars website as they compare between lots of operators to get you the best price. Click here to get a quote in seconds on the Discover Cars website!
Gullfoss
Gullfoss – the largest volume falls in Europe – is one of Iceland’s most popular attractions, and can be found on the country’s golden circle route, around an hour and a half drive away from Reykjavik. This powerful two-tiered waterfall is formed of glacial water from Langjökull – Iceland’s second largest glacier.
It’s possible to get up close to both stages of the falls on a trail running alongside, as well as appreciating it all at once from viewing platforms above. During winter, the water freezes over and blankets of snow cover the surrounding areas– giving another dimension to the falls’ beauty.
Some paths and viewpoints around the falls do close during winter when it becomes too icy, so bear this in mind if you’re visiting during the colder months! Regardless of this, you should still be able to get close enough to enjoy the beauty of this majestic waterfall.
With no entrance fee, Gullfoss is simply a must see when visiting South Iceland.
Iceland Golden Circle tour to Gullfoss and more!
Although Iceland has good road conditions, the unpredictable weather may cause you to think twice about renting a car during winter. The roads can be very icy and if you aren’t experienced driving in these conditions, you may be safer taking tours if you’re visiting Iceland in winter.
If you’ve decided against renting a car then make sure to book a Golden Circle Tour in advance. It’s a great way to see some of the best waterfalls and points of interest in South Iceland. Tours depart form Reykjavik and visit Gullfoss, Kerið crater, Geysir Geothermal Area and Þingvellir national park – all on our list of the 10 must see places in South Iceland!
If you are going to book a tour, we strongly recommend booking in advance. Iceland has become an incredibly popular destination meaning tours are likely to sell out – so make sure to guarantee your space by booking ahead!
One option is to take a tour of the Golden Circle and also visit the popular Blue Lagoon. Click here to find out more and book the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon tour for your trip!
Alternatively, you can take a tour of just the Golden Circle. It’s a great way to see the best of South Iceland, so you’re sure to have an amazing day. Click here to find out more and book a Golden Circle in South Iceland tour!
Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon
Formed around 9,000 years ago, this magnificent, meandering canyon is indicative of the dramatic landscape throughout Iceland, it’s one of the most unique things to do and see in South Iceland. Stretching for around 2 kilometres and reaching depths of 100 metres, the canyon is home to the Fjaðrá River.
While it’s safe to walk inside the canyon itself, as water levels are often relatively low, you’ll have to wade often. If you choose to do this, make sure not to miss the views from above! The trail above the canyon gives you the chance to marvel at the incredible viewpoints of this spectacular landscape.
Carved out by glacial waters, the canyon’s distinctive moss covered walls and sheer drops make for hair-raising views. Although Fjaðrárgljúfur is actually in South East Iceland, it’s definitely one of the best things to do in the area.
At just over 3 hours from Reykjavik, it can be a long drive – but your efforts will be rewarded with a sight you won’t forget in a hurry!
The path at Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon has shut previously due to bad weather, but repairs have been made. If bad weather comes it may shut again in the future, so make sure to check TripAdvisor for recent reviews to check it isn’t closed before you visit!
For those wanting to avoid doing the long drive themselves, this small group tour across the coast of South Iceland is ideal as it visits this canyon as well as some other beautiful spots. Click here to find out more and book your tour through the Get Your Guide website!
Mýrdalsjökull glacier
The colossal Mýrdalsjökull glacier is easily accessed by a short detour from Iceland’s ring road. Turn off at route 221 and continue until the car park at the end of the road, which is an easy inclusion on a road trip around South Iceland. From here, an easy 15-minute walk will lead you to viewpoints for brilliant views of Iceland’s 4th largest glacier.
Mýrdalsjökull is unique as it covers the active volcano Katla. Water from the glacier feeds into the river Jökulsá a Sólheimasandur, where small blocks of ice lay like mini icebergs.
Whether you visit in the winter or the summer, this glacier makes up what we think is the best of South Iceland: the amazing varied landscape.
Just taking in the view of this incredible place is well worth it, although if you have the budget for it, it’s possible to hike on the glacier and explore secret ice caves. Hiking on the glacier itself is one of the most amazing things to do in southern Iceland.
For your own safety, it’s important to never go onto the glacier without professional guidance and appropriate equipment. Aside from that, enjoy the view!
Mýrdalsjökull glacier ice cave tour!
Don’t miss the chance to hike on the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and visit an amazing ice cave during your time in South Iceland. It’s a truly unique experience and thing to do in South Iceland that is well worth the money considering caves like this are only found in a few places in the world!
You can book the glacier walk and ice cave tour online in advance through Get Your Guide. It’s worth booking as far in advance as possible to avoid it selling out for your preferred dates!
Click here to arrange a once in a lifetime trip to the Mýrdalsjökull glacier ice cave!
Vik
This small seaside village is home to just over 300 people, yet is one of the most popular destinations for those travelling the southern coast of Iceland. Vik is most famous for the nearby Reynisfjara beach where deceptively large waves crash against volcanic black sand relentlessly.
It’s one of the most dangerous beaches in South Iceland, as multiple unsuspecting tourists have drowned there in recent years. Make sure to take care in the area, as even if the sea seems calm it may sneak up on you.
There are plenty of things to do in this part of South Iceland. Close to the shore you’ll find impressive basalt rock columns rising skywards in similar fashion to Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. This part of Vik is also one of the best spots in Iceland to see Puffins – which nest in the cliffs from April to September.
From nearby Dyrhólaey nature reserve you’ll have views spanning the entire beach as well as large jagged rock formations protruding from the sea. The village itself is home to the picturesque Reyniskirkja church, which overlooks the area and can be seen when driving through on the ring road.
Around 25 kilometres from Vik, you’ll find the remains of a crashed plane on Sólheimasandur beach. Since crashing in 1973, the wreckage has endured 40 years of rough Icelandic weather.
In recent years the wreckage has become one of the more popular things to see in South Iceland, largely thanks to the unique photo opportunities it provides. It can only be reached on foot, with the walk taking approximately an hour and a half each way. The wreckage is certainly one of the more eerie points of interest in Southern Iceland.
Although it’s possible to go from Reykjavik to Vik on a day trip, you may want to consider staying nearby, to explore this area closer by.
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most well recognised waterfalls. Clearly visible from the country’s ring road, you’ll be futile to resist stopping for a closer look. With water powering over a 60-metre drop, prepare to get wet as spray rises from the pool below. It’s one of the best things you can do while visiting South Iceland.
For the best experience, follow the trail round to get a unique perspective from behind the waterfall – although take care when doing this, as the path can be slippery. From here you’ll get a real sense of Seljalandsfoss’ strength, as the water powers down just metres away from you.
Cross the bridge to the left of the waterfall and walk for around 5 minutes, passing some smaller falls, to reach the hidden Gljúfrafoss waterfall. Found behind a giant boulder, you’ll need to balance on rocks in a shallow stream to get up close. Once inside you’ll be rewarded with another spectacular waterfall with far fewer people about – if any.
Parking at Seljalandsfoss costs 750 Icelandic Króna and lasts for the whole day. If you don’t want to pay for parking some people have managed to park for free at the campsite near Gljúfrafoss waterfall.
We’d recommend arriving as early as possible to avoid large crowds, especially as a number of tour buses stop here.
Skogafoss
Just 30 kilometres away from Seljalandsfoss, you’ll find yet another cascading waterfall. At 25 metres wide and with a drop of 60 metres, the sheer force of Skogafoss sends spray racing upwards from the pool below. As a result, on sunny days vivid rainbows are visible at the base of the falls.
If you don’t mind getting a little wet, you’re able to get extremely close to the bottom of Skogafoss – although you’ll feel insignificantly tiny next to this giant force of nature! You can also walk up approximately 500 steps to a viewing platform above the waterfall, although we personally think the view from below is best!
When visiting in winter you’ll find Skogafoss encompassed in snow yet still flowing forcefully. If you’re a fan of camping it’s even possible to camp in view of this breathtaking waterfall.
It takes around 2 hours to drive to Skogafoss from Reykjavik, but in our opinion it’s well worth the effort. Like Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss is viewable from the ring road but has the added advantage of free parking and no entrance fee. Both falls are essential stops for any South Iceland itinerary.
South Coast Iceland Tour to Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss and more!
Take a tour to visit the sights along the south coast of Iceland including Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Reynisfjara beach and more! If you don’t rent a car it’s the best way to see the highlights of the south coast of Iceland.
Click here to find out more and book an incredible tour of South Iceland!
Kerið
Found on Iceland’s notorious golden circle, Kerið (known in English as Kerid) is a stunning blue lake inside the crater of a volcano. Surrounded by red volcanic rock and partly coated with moss, the contrasting colours are a sight to behold.
Take time to enjoy views from the top overlooking the lake, as well as to descend the short trail to the water itself. If you’re visiting during winter months, you may even find the lake frozen over. Regardless of the time of year if you are visiting the golden circle in South Iceland you won’t want to miss out this lovely thing to do.
Although there is free parking on site, spaces are very limited and so we’d recommend arriving early to avoid a wait. Entrance costs just 400 Króna per person, which is well worth it for such a naturally beautiful spot.
You can join a tour that includes a visit to this spot as well as other spots found in Southern Iceland here with Get Your Guide
Þingvellir national park
Þingvellir National Park (known in English as Thingvellir National Park) is undisputedly Iceland’s most important historical site and is a must see in South Iceland. In 930AD, it was here that the Vikings formed the world’s first democratic parliament – known as the Alþingi. Since then it has been the site of significant moments in the country’s history – such as the declaration of independence from Denmark.
Notably, Þingvellir sits on the Mid-Atlantic rift – the point at which the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates border one another. The rift valley of Þingvellir exists as a result of these plates pulling away from each other, moving around 2 centimetres every year.
In the national park itself you’ll find striking landscape created by the plates, the man-made Öxaráfoss waterfall, the world famous Silfra dive site and more.
Among divers, Silfra is regarded one of the best spots to explore for two reasons. Firstly, it’s the only place in the world where you’re able to dive between two continental plates. Secondly, the underwater visibility is over 100 metres due to the crack been filled with extremely clear glacial water.
Whatever you decide to do, there’s plenty to explore whether it’s just walking around and enjoying the park’s nature or jumping into freezing cold waters! Parking at Þingvellir costs 750 Króna which allows you to park for the whole day, but there’s no entrance fee to the park itself.
Snorkelling and Diving Tours of Silfra
Taking a snorkelling or diving trip between two continental plates is undeniably one of the best things to do in South Iceland. Silfra is a world famous dive site for a reason, so make sure to check it our for yourself!
If you’re not a qualified diver, take advantage of a snorkelling trip. Although you won’t be able to go deep, you’ll still get to appreciate the amazing visibility of this natural wonder.
Click here to book a Silfra snorkelling tour for your trip to Iceland!
The alternative is a diving trip – but you’ll need a PADI Open Water license or equivalent to take part. You’ll get to do 2 dives in one of the top dive sites in the world, giving you the perfect chance to explore this incredible place.
Faxi Waterfall
While it may not be one of the towering waterfalls you immediately associate with Iceland, Faxi has a charm of its own. The drop itself is just under 7 metres, yet at over 90 metres wide the water still flows with force.
As other waterfalls on the island are far more popular, you’ll find that Faxi is far less crowded. If you’re early enough, you may even have its beauty all to yourself, which is a nice change on your South Iceland itinerary.
Approximately 12 kilometres from the Geysir geothermal area, you’ll find a small car park on site and no entrance fees, making it a perfect place if only for a quick stop. In our opinion this little hidden gem of South Iceland is well worth a visit!
Geysir Geothermal Area
One of the must see attractions and things to do in South Iceland is the Geyser geothermal area. The term geyser originates from this very area, deriving from the geyser referred to simply as ‘the Great Geysir.’
Unfortunately, this geyser is no longer as active as it once was and rarely erupts anymore. In its heyday it would shoot water 170 metres high! Nowadays, the nearby Stokkur geyser steals its limelight.
Stokkur catapults boiling hot water up to 30 metres high – a natural phenomenon that occurs every 5-10 minutes. Witnessing this spectacle is a must in Iceland, and is completely free.
Make sure to be careful and respect barriers to the geysers as the water can reach extremely high temperatures.
If you are interested in more geothermal areas then check out the best things to do in New Zealand and our guide to San Pedro De Atacama!
Best places to stay in South Iceland
Reykjavik
Rey Apartments
A number of lovely modern apartments brilliantly located in the centre of Reykjavik, with apartment capacities ranging from 2-6 people. Apartments are equipped with Internet and heating, which makes for a cosy stay.
Click here to see the latest prices at Rey Apartments on Booking.com!
Skuggi Hotel
Another great central option in Reykjavik, Skuggi Hotel also offers free parking on site. Room are comfortable, modern and well heated to keep you nice and warm!
Click here to find the latest deals at the Skuggi Hotel on Booking.com!
Vik or Selfoss
Alternatively, both Selfoss and Vik are great places to stay to explore South Iceland. Selfoss is well located to take a trip around the sights on the golden circle.
Click here to see the great properties available in Selfoss on Booking.com!
Vik is further along Iceland’s ring road and is home to the famous black sand beach. Although it’s a small village it is a relatively popular spot to stay in Iceland, so we recommend booking as far in advance as possible!
Click here to see the best properties available in Vik for your trip!
Going up to north Iceland? Make sure to check out our guide to the best places to stay in Akureyri!
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