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Iceland is magical as such, but there’s one part of it that is even more special than the rest: the south. The best spots in south Iceland are not only easy to reach but will also amaze you no matter what your taste is!
Southern Iceland offers something for everyone – be it relaxing hot springs, mesmerizing waterfalls, or mysterious islands. Be sure not to miss the “Sudurland,” as locals call this unique region of their island!
Magical Things to Do in South Iceland
Westman Islands
What could be more exciting than visiting an island from another, even more remote island?!
Why Go
The Westman Islands, in Icelandic, “Vestmannaeyar,” also referred to as the “Pompeii of the North. Take a deep breath and go with us to this magical island! Oh no, sorry! To be correct, it’s a chain of 15 islands located off the south coast of Iceland, and out of those 15 islands, only one is inhabited – the island Heimaey – where you can find around 4300 people living a slow life.
A one-day trip is enough to see a lot; however, accommodation is also possible if you want to extend your stay.
How To Get There
The easiest way to visit the Westman Islands is to order a ferry. The main ferry port is at Landeyjahöfn, but when the weather conditions are bad (mainly in the winter), the ferry goes from Þorlákshöfn port.
The port at Landeyjahöfn is about an hour and 45 minutes drive from Reykjavik. The ferry alone takes about 35 minutes one way.
Price ticket (round trip):
- Adults: 4800 isk
- Teens 12-15years: 2400 isk
- Children 0-11 years: 0 isk
You can also ferry your car for a 7200 isk round trip fee.
Tips For Visiting
There are many unique things to do on Westman islands; some of our favorites are short but immensely beautiful hikes, for example, the one to Eldfell volcano
Book a boat tour! A one-hour trip will take you around all the small islands, past the elephant rock, and into four different caves. And, when you are lucky, you can see whales or puffins!
Try Spranga, a local sport in the islands. It is a miniature version of cliff rappelling. It is mainly practiced at Skiphellar, a cliff close to the harbor. You can try with the locals or just watch their stunts.
Mælifell
Maelifell is a 791-meter-tall volcano located in southern Iceland. It stands alone in a vast, black desert landscape. Mælifell’s name translates to ‘Measuring Hill’; nine other mountains in the country share this name, as they were used as navigation points for early Icelanders.
Why Go
Among the many impressive mountains in Iceland, Mælifell stands out as a solitary beauty. Its unique location and striking appearance will transport you into a real fairytale. This is a place that will truly captivate your heart.
How To Get There
To visit the Mælifell volcano, you have to plan in advance. From Reykjavik, embark on a scenic drive along the Ring Road, heading east. When you reach the Hvolsvöllur village, turn left onto Route 261, which will soon become the Highland Route F261. Continue north of the Þórsmörk Nature Reserve along this road before turning right on Route F210.
After approximately 3.5 hours of driving, you’ll spot the majestic Mælifell on your left. Please note that this journey can only be undertaken in a 4X4 car, which involves river crossings and very bumpy terrain.
Tips For Visiting
● You should visit this place if you enjoy television series like Game of Thrones!
● Mælifell’s name translates to ‘Measuring Hill’; nine other mountains in the country share this name, as they were used as navigation points for early Icelanders.
Þórsmörk
Þórsmörk, named after Thor, the Norse god of thunder, is a nature reserve in southern Iceland between the glaciers Tindfjallajökull and Eyjafjallajökull.
Why Go
Þórsmörk is the country’s most popular hiking destination and a central location for nature lovers and photographers. Þórsmörk, nestled between two glaciers, this nature reserve offers an intimate experience of diverse Icelandic landscapes.
How To Get There
Thor’s Valley is the perfect location to escape crowded tourist spots and explore the calm nature.
We have three options for how to reach the Þórsmörk:
Self-drive:
Since the road is gravel and many rivers must be crossed, don’t underestimate this trip. A 4×4 car with suitable insurance coverage is necessary. From Reykjavik, the journey will take around 2.5 – 3 hours via route one and then road number 249.
Buses:
Reykjavik Excursions runs a daily bus from BSÍ Bus station in Reykjavik between May 1st and October 15th.
Organized tours:
Many travel companies offer one-day and multi-day tours to Þórsmörk—the best option if you don’t feel confident with your car or driving skills.
Tips For Visiting:
● Before your self-drive trip, you need to be an experienced driver at 4WD through rivers to cross
● Possibility of on-site accommodation – book it in advance!
● Our tip is to pack clothes to dress in layers.
The hot streams of Reykjadalur valley
Resting in tranquil hot springs in Iceland is always a good idea, whether you want to take a breath at the beginning of your adventure in the south or at the end on your way back to Reykjavik.
Why Go
This hot river is not just a destination; it’s an experience you must have. Its surroundings are Beautiful, natural, and colorful, offering a unique immersion in Iceland’s natural wonders.
How To Get There
Conveniently located just a short 45-minute drive from the capital, the hiking trail to the hot river starts in a parking lot just above Hveragerði town (which means “hot gardens” in Icelandic). The trail continues around the historic Mt. Hengill, making it a perfect stop on your Icelandic adventure.
The hike starts from the parking lot, where you first cross a bridge over a river and hike on a gravel trail. The trail is about 3km long and will take about 45-60 minutes one way.
Tips For Visiting
● There are no entrance fees to access the Reykjadalur Hot Spring River; however, there are parking fees at the trailhead. The parking fee is 250 ISK per hour.
● As with many famous places, we recommend visiting this one in the morning or evening, especially in summer.
Ice-caves in Vatnajökull
Why Go
Vatnajökull region is the largest glacier in Europe, covering 8% of Icelandic landmass. This glacier is a great place to visit one of Icelandic natural wonders: the ice caves.
How are ice caves formed?
Icelandic caves are different from those in other countries. Each winter, the weather cools, and conditions change. Before winter, the guides start looking for new caves that are large and safe enough to explore inside.
The ice caves are only accessible in the winter, from November until March. They should always be entered with a certified guide and proper safety gear—never go alone!
How To Get There
Vatnajökull is easy to access. From Reykjavik, follow the South Coast. Reach National Park Skaftafell boasts several outlets for glacier hiking and many other activities, such as snowmobiling.
Tips For Visiting
We recommend you book your ice cave tour in advance since it’s a viral activity in the winter months.
What to wear
- ankle supporting shoes
- layers of lightweight (but warm) breathable clothes
- waterproof outer layer
- a hat fine enough to fit under the helmet
- gloves and warm socks
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a magnificent and massive canyon, about 100 meters deep and 2 kilometers long.
A little bit of history:
That canyon was formed by progressive erosion approximately nine thousand years ago. The bedrock in Fjaðrárgljúfur is mostly palagonite from cold periods of the Ice Age and is thought to be about two million years old. The river Fjaðrá has its source in the mountain Geirlandshraun and falls off the heath edge in this stunning canyon until it makes it down into the Skaftá River. Fjaðrá has changed a lot over time.
Why Go
What makes this canyon so unique? The sheer, turning, and twisting walls are full of oddly shaped salients and bumps dotted with soft grass and patches of moss. The river slowly flows through the entire canyon towards the sea. Something challenging to describe in words… you need to see it!
How To Get There
When taking the Ring Road from Reykjavik (248km) towards Skaftafell, make a left at the sign pointing to Road No. 206, Holtsvegur. Then, continue on the gravel road for about 3 kilometers until you reach the parking lot. The road is unpaved, but any car should be able to drive on it in summer. However, during winter months (October-April), a 4X4 is recommended, as the road is not well maintained.
Tips For Visiting
There are two ways to discover the canyon:
- From the top – the part is marked with many viewpoints.
- From the bottom, it is challenging, but you must be adventurous, as sometimes you must cross the shallow cold river.
Skógafoss
Skógafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in Iceland, with a drop of 60 meters and a width of 25 meters. You can go “under” the waterfall and feel the power of nature. Be ready to get wet, so wearing waterproof gear isn’t a bad idea.
Why Go
If you are lucky, the sun will show up; you can see the most beautiful rainbows! Also, Skogafoss is unique because the waterfall comes directly from two glaciers, Eyjafjallajokull and Myrdalsjokull.
How To Get There
Skógafoss is a two-hour drive from Reykjavik (155km). Follow the eastwards from Reykjavik, and eventually, you can see Skogafoss from the road. Turn left to get to the parking lot, around one kilometer from the main road.
If you don’t fancy driving yourself, buses run from Reykjavik to Skógar twice a day in summer, taking around three hours. There are a handful of accommodation options in Skógar if you want to spend the night and perhaps hit the hiking trail the next day.
Tips For Visiting
● If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you can climb the stairs up the hill to the top of the falls.
● About the timing: A couple of hours should be enough if you plan to hike to the top (through stairs). Otherwise, a good 30-40 minutes are enough. But take advantage of this beautiful spot by chance.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Iceland’s South
While we more than just recommend visiting Iceland for at least two weeks, you can see some of the country’s highlights in just a few days. Most of them are located in the south just a short drive from the capital of Reykjavik.
We hope our list of the best things to do in south Iceland will help you plan your trip and enjoy the land of fire and ice to the fullest!
About the Author
Igor is one of the most passionate guys about Iceland you can find. He has spent months in Iceland over several years. Yet, he keeps coming back to scout for new unconquered spots. He mostly enjoys hiking in the remote highlands and driving the rough Icelandic F-roads.
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Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.