South Iceland, Iceland
///Travel Guide
Perlur hringvegarins

South Iceland
Travel Guide

Fossar sem þú getur gengið á bak við, svartar sandfjörur, skriðjöklar, íshellar og Jökulsárlón — Suðurland er mest heimsótti hluti landsins, og það með réttu.

🕐

From Reykjavík

1.5–5 h

🏙️

Main towns

Vík, Selfoss, Höfn

☀️

Best time

May–Sep

✈️

Nearest airport

Keflavík (KEF)

On this page

01Introduction

Af hverju Suðurland stelur senunni

Milli Reykjavíkur og Vatnajökuls liggur þéttasta röð náttúruundra á Íslandi. Á einum degi keyrir þú fram hjá fossum sem steypast fram af gömlu sjávarklettunum, jöklum sem teygja sig nánast að veginum og fjörum úr kolsvörtum gjóskusandi sem Atlantshafið lemur.

Þetta er líka landbúnaðarhjarta Íslands — flatlendi Suðurlands er þakið hrossabúum og gróðurhúsum sem hituð eru með jarðhita, með Heklu, Kötlu og Eyjafjallajökul í bakgrunni; eldfjallið sem stöðvaði flug um alla Evrópu árið 2010.

Þar sem svo margt liggur beint við þjóðveg 1 er Suðurland auðveldasta svæðið að skoða á eigin vegum. En vegalengdir blekkja: aksturinn frá Reykjavík að Jökulsárlóni tekur næstum fimm klukkustundir aðra leiðina, svo gefðu þessu tvo til þrjá daga frekar en að reyna að gleypa allt á einum degi.

02Quick Facts

South Iceland at a Glance

The essentials every visitor should know before arriving.

🕐

From Reykjavík

1.5–5 h

🏙️

Main towns

Vík, Selfoss, Höfn

☀️

Best time

May–Sep

Book ToursHotels
🛣️

Road conditions

Ring Road, paved

🧊

Top activity

Glacier & ice caves

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✈️

Nearest airport

Keflavík (KEF)

🛣️

Road conditions

Ring Road, paved

🧊

Top activity

Glacier & ice caves

03When to Go

The Best Time to Visit South Iceland

Suðurland er heilsársáfangastaður — en hvað þú kemst að og sérð breytist mikið eftir árstíðum.

Sumar

jún–ágú

Langir dagar, opnir hálendisvegir að Þórsmörk, lundar í Dyrhólaey og grænasta landslagið. Mesti fjöldi ferðamanna og hæsta verð — bókaðu tímanlega.

Haust

sep–okt

Færri ferðamenn, haustlitir og norðurljósin snúa aftur. Íshellatímabilið hefst í nóvember.

Vetur

nóv–mar

Bláir íshellar undir Vatnajökli, norðurljós yfir jöklunum og snævi þaktir fossar — en stutt birta og mögulegar lokanir í veðrum.

Vor

apr–maí

Færri gestir, fossar þrútnir af leysingavatni og sauðburður á bæjunum. Sumir hálendisvegir enn lokaðir.

04Location & Access

Getting to & Around South Iceland

Suðurströndin fylgir þjóðvegi 1 til austurs frá Reykjavík. Hann er malbikaður og fær fólksbílum alla leið til Hafnar; aðeins hálendisvegirnir að Þórsmörk krefjast fjórhjóladrifs.

Á eigin bíl

Besta leiðin til að skoða svæðið. Leigðu bíl í Reykjavík eða á Keflavíkurflugvelli og fylgdu þjóðvegi 1 austur. Um 1,5 klst að Seljalandsfossi, 2,5 klst að Vík, ~5 klst að Jökulsárlóni.

Skoðunarferðir með leiðsögn

Fjölmargar suðurstrandar-, jöklagöngu- og íshellaferðir fara frá Reykjavík daglega ef þú vilt frekar sleppa akstri að vetri.

Rúta

Strætó og Reykjavík Excursions þjóna helstu bæjum, en bíll er mun hentugri fyrir staðina meðfram veginum.

05Must See

Top Attractions in South Iceland

The essential sights — loaded live from our content library, with directions and full guides.

Browse all attractions
Affall — South Iceland, Iceland

Affall

Affall is a clear lowland river in South Iceland known for birdlife, wetlands, and sea trout fishing between the Landeyjar districts.

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Alda aldanna — South Iceland, Iceland

Alda aldanna

Gaze upon a monumental sculpture embodying Iceland's ancient geological dance and timeless beauty.

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Aldamótaskógur á Gaddstöðum — South Iceland, Iceland

Aldamótaskógur á Gaddstöðum

Discover Aldamótaskógur, a vibrant millennium forest offering peaceful trails and stunning views in South Iceland.

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Almannagjá — South Iceland, Iceland

Almannagjá

Witness the dramatic geological rift of Almannagjá, where tectonic plates meet and history was forged.

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Alviðruhamraviti — South Iceland, Iceland

Alviðruhamraviti

Standing defiant amidst crashing waves and a stormy sky, Alviðruhamraviti is a beacon of resilience.

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Apavatn Lake — South Iceland, Iceland

Apavatn Lake

Serene South Iceland lake renowned for Arctic char fishing, framed by green fields and distant snow-capped peaks.

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Arnardrangur — South Iceland, Iceland

Arnardrangur

Arnardrangur: A majestic sea stack emerging from Iceland's black volcanic sands, a testament to raw nature.

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Arnarfell hið mikla — South Iceland, Iceland

Arnarfell hið mikla

Mountain Peak in Highlands, Iceland.

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Arnarfell Þingvellir — South Iceland, Iceland

Arnarfell Þingvellir

Rugged Arnarfell overlooks windswept Þingvallavatn, a testament to Iceland's wild heart.

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06Dining

Where to Eat in South Iceland

Featured places to eat and drink, straight from our content library.

🍽️
€€

Brothers Brewary

vik

Brothers Brewary is a pub in South Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic bars are lively social hubs, especially on weekend nights when the famous Reykjavík pub crawl (rúntur) takes over the city. Good drinks, local beer, and friendly company make Icelandic bar culture a memorable experience.

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🍽️
€€

Byria

selfoss

Byria is a restaurant in South Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

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🍽️
€€

Campsite Reception

other

Campsite Reception is a restaurant in South Iceland, Iceland. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

View details
🍽️
€€

Canton

vik

Canton is a restaurant in South Iceland, Iceland serving Chinese. Icelandic cuisine has evolved dramatically in recent decades, moving from traditional fish and lamb dishes to world-class dining experiences. Many restaurants now showcase local ingredients — fresh fish, lamb, skyr, and Arctic char — with modern culinary techniques.

View details
🍽️
€€

Crepes.is

vik

Crepes.is is a quick-service restaurant in South Iceland, Iceland serving crepes. Whether you need a quick meal between sightseeing or a late-night bite, this is a practical stop for travellers.

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Efstidalur II
€€

Efstidalur II

other

Efstidalur II offers a unique farm-to-table dining experience in a charming rural setting, visible in its distinctive green building with white trim. Guests can enjoy fresh Icelandic cuisine, often featuring delicious dairy products from the farm, with the option of outdoor seating on sunny days, all set against a beautiful mountainous backdrop.

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07Accommodation

Where to Stay in South Iceland

Real hotels and guesthouses with photos — book directly with our Hotels.com partner.

All hotels
360° Boutique Hotel
hotel

360° Boutique Hotel

Suðurland

Experience panoramic views and modern luxury at this exquisite boutique hotel in South Iceland.

$300–$500/night
Adventure Hótel Geirland
hotel

Adventure Hótel Geirland

Suðurland

Modern hotel nestled amidst stunning South Iceland landscapes, perfect for nature lovers.

$150–$300/night
Afternoon Cottages
hotel

Afternoon Cottages

Suðurland

Experience the magic of Iceland at Afternoon Cottages, a modern retreat under the dancing Northern Lights.

$250–$500/night
Arctic Nature Hótel
apartment

Arctic Nature Hótel

Suðurland

Comfortable twin room with modern decor, ideal for exploring South Iceland's natural wonders.

$180–$350/night
Austurey cottages
apartment

Austurey cottages

Suðurland

Experience the magic of Iceland with cozy wooden apartments offering prime Northern Lights views.

$150–$350/night
Bakki HI Hostel & Apartments / Farfuglaheimili
hostel

Bakki HI Hostel & Apartments / Farfuglaheimili

Suðurland

Enjoy modern comfort and convenience in this stylish studio apartment at Bakki HI Hostel, perfect for South Iceland adventures.

$150–$300/night

08Tours & Experiences

Best Tours in South Iceland

Top-rated guided experiences, booked through our partner Viator.

Browse all tours
Glacier Adventure at Sólheimajökull Private Tour
5h

Glacier Adventure at Sólheimajökull Private Tour

From $383Book
Diamond Beach & Jökulsárlón Floating Glacier Guided Day Tour
10h

Diamond Beach & Jökulsárlón Floating Glacier Guided Day Tour

From $1971Book
Private Tour: South Coast of Iceland by SUV or Van from Reykjavik
8h

Private Tour: South Coast of Iceland by SUV or Van from Reykjavik

From $820Book

Tours & activities powered by Viator.

09Geothermal

Hot Springs & Pools in South Iceland

Soaking is Iceland's national pastime — here's where to do it.

All lagoons & pools
Hella Swimming Pool
Local Ring Road Pool

Hella Swimming Pool

Nestled in the charming town of Hella, this popular local geothermal swimming pool offers a rejuvenating escape. Immerse yourself in the outdoor pools and unwind in the soothing hot tubs, experiencing a true slice of Icelandic community life.

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Hrunalaug Hot Spring
Hidden Gem

Hrunalaug Hot Spring

Nestled in the serene Hrunamannahreppur region near Flúðir, Hrunalaug Hot Spring offers a truly authentic Icelandic bathing experience. This small, historic geothermal pool, surrounded by open countryside and rustic stone structures, is a tranquil escape from the crowds. Embrace its simplicity and natural beauty for a peaceful soak.

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Hveragerði Swimming Pool
Reykjadalur Area Pool

Hveragerði Swimming Pool

Dive into the soothing geothermal waters of Hveragerði Swimming Pool, known locally as Sundlaugin Laugaskarði. This prominent public complex in the heart of the "Hot Spring Town" offers outdoor pools, relaxing hot tubs, and family-friendly areas, making it an ideal stop on your South Iceland adventure.

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Laugarvatn Fontana
Golden Circle Spa

Laugarvatn Fontana

Nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Laugarvatn, Laugarvatn Fontana offers a unique geothermal spa experience in South Iceland. Guests can relax in naturally heated steam baths, soak in mineral-rich pools, and enjoy stunning lake views, all conveniently located on the famous Golden Circle route.

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Reykjadalur Hot River
Steam Valley Hot Spring

Reykjadalur Hot River

Discover Reykjadalur Hot River, a captivating geothermal valley about an hour from Reykjavík, where a natural hot river flows through stunning scenery. Wade into its warm waters at various points, finding your perfect temperature spot amidst nature's embrace.

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Secret Lagoon
Golden Circle

Secret Lagoon

Discover the enchanting Secret Lagoon, Iceland's oldest natural swimming pool, nestled in the geothermal heart of Flúðir. Immerse yourself in the soothing ~38–40°C waters, surrounded by raw Icelandic landscapes and bubbling hot springs, just a stone's throw from the Golden Circle.

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10Itineraries

Suggested South Iceland Itineraries

Ready-made plans — mix, match and make them yours in the Trip Planner.

1 dagur

Klassísk suðurströnd

  • Seljalandsfoss
  • Skógafoss
  • Útsýni yfir Sólheimajökul
  • Reynisfjara
  • Vík
Build in Trip Planner
2 dagar

Suðurströnd + Jökulsárlón

  • Dagur 1: fossar, Reynisfjara, gisting í Vík
  • Dagur 2: Skaftafell, Jökulsárlón, Demantsfjaran
Build in Trip Planner
3 dagar

Suðrið og íshellar

  • Gullni hringurinn sem viðbót
  • Fossar suðurstrandar og Vík
  • Íshellir í Vatnajökli + jöklaganga
  • Humar í Höfn

11Beyond

Day Trips from South Iceland

Nearby excursions worth building into your route.

Þórsmörk

Jeppaferð / rúta

Gróskumikill eldfjalladalur milli þriggja jökla, aðgengilegur um veg með óbrúuðum ám — sannkölluð gönguparadís.

Explore

Landmannalaugar

3 klst (F-vegur)

Litríkir líparítfjöll og náttúruleg heit á á jaðri hálendisins.

Explore

Vestmannaeyjar

Ferja frá Landeyjahöfn

Lundar, bær sem grófst í ösku og unga eldfjallið Eldfell.

12Know Before You Go

South Iceland Travel Tips

Local know-how to keep your trip smooth and safe.

🌬️

Wind

South-coast wind can rip car doors off — hold on tight and check safetravel.is before driving in a storm.

🌊

Sneaker waves

Reynisfjara's black beach has deadly sneaker waves. Never turn your back on the sea and stay well back from the waterline.

🧊

Glaciers

Never walk on a glacier without a certified guide and crampons — crevasses are hidden and fatal.

⛽

Fuel

Long gaps between stations east of Vík. Top up in Vík before the stretch to Höfn.

🅿️

Parking fees

Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss and the Jökulsárlón area charge for parking — keep a card handy.

🚗

Driving times

It's deceptively far: Reykjavík to Jökulsárlón is 5 hours one-way. Don't try the whole South Coast in a single day.

13FAQ

South Iceland Travel FAQ

10 of the most common questions, answered.

How long is the South Coast drive from Reykjavík?

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Seljalandsfoss is ~1.5 hours; Vík ~2.5 hours; Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon ~5 hours one-way. Most people take two or three days to do it justice.

Can you visit an ice cave in South Iceland?

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Yes — natural blue ice caves under Vatnajökull are accessible on guided tours from November to March. Katla ice cave near Vík runs year-round.

What are the must-see waterfalls in South Iceland?

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Seljalandsfoss (you can walk behind it), Skógafoss, Gljúfrabúi and Svartifoss in Skaftafell are the headline falls.

Is Reynisfjara beach safe?

+

It's beautiful but dangerous — sneaker waves have killed visitors. Stay far back from the water, never turn your back on the sea, and heed the warning-light system.

Do I need a 4x4 for the South Coast?

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No, the Ring Road and main sights are paved and 2WD-friendly. You only need a 4x4 for F-roads into Þórsmörk or the Highlands.

Can you hike on a glacier in South Iceland?

+

Yes, on Sólheimajökull and Vatnajökull outlet glaciers — always with a certified guide who provides crampons and ice axes.

What is Jökulsárlón?

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Iceland's most famous glacier lagoon, where icebergs calve off Breiðamerkurjökull and drift to the sea. The neighbouring Diamond Beach is where they wash ashore.

When can you see puffins in South Iceland?

+

Mid-May to early August at Dyrhólaey and the Vík cliffs, where thousands nest each summer.

Where should I base myself on the South Coast?

+

Vík is the natural midpoint; Höfn is best for the glacier lagoon and Vatnajökull; Selfoss/Hveragerði work as a Golden Circle + South Coast base.

Is the South Coast worth visiting in winter?

+

Absolutely — ice caves, fewer crowds and Northern Lights. But daylight is short and storms can close roads, so build in flexibility.

14References

Trusted Icelandic Sources

This guide is grounded in official Icelandic sources — always check them for live conditions before you travel.

Vegagerðin — road.is

Opinberar upplýsingar um færð og opnun fjallvega (F-vega).

Veðurstofa Íslands — vedur.is

Veðurspár, viðvaranir og norðurljósaspá.

SafeTravel.is

Slysavarnafélagið Landsbjörg — öryggisviðvaranir, ferðaáætlanir og hættumat.

Vatnajökulsþjóðgarður

Skaftafell, aðgengi að jöklum og reglur um íshella.

Visit South Iceland — south.is

Opinber markaðsstofa Suðurlands.

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South Iceland Guide

South Iceland Guide

Every waterfall, glacier and black-sand beach on the South Coast.

Katla Ice Cave

Katla Ice Cave

Explore a blue ice cave under the Katla volcano, year-round.

Sólheimajökull Glacier

Sólheimajökull Glacier

The South Coast's most accessible glacier hike.

Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach

Jökulsárlón & Diamond Beach

Iceland's iconic glacier lagoon and ice-strewn black beach.

Capital Region

Capital Region

1.5h

East Iceland

East Iceland

4h

Highlands

Highlands

3h