Southern Iceland & The Highlands

Stretching immediately south and east of the capital, this dramatic region offers travellers and adventurers an extraordinary playground for sightseeing and outdoor exploration. From scaling outlet glaciers to navigating iceberg lagoons on a RIB boat, here are the top 15 things to do in Southern Iceland.

Set out on a Golden Circle adventure

Thingvellir National Park invites travellers to visit a rift valley created by the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

The Golden Circle — a spectacular loop from Reykjavík that covers three of the country’s must-visit sites — is a cornerstone of any Icelandic itinerary, showcasing some of the most dramatic landscapes in the region. This journey is often taken as a day trip from the capital, though it also serves as a perfect scenic route when driving further south from Reykjavík.

Thingvellir National Park, the closest stop to the capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, gives visitors the opportunity to walk through a rift valley created by the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates that keep pulling apart by roughly two centimetres each year. The main trail leads through the imposing stone walls of the Almannagjá gorge, which historically hosted the Althingi — the world’s oldest parliament, established by the Vikings in 930 AD. The national park is also home to the crystal-clear Silfra fissure, where snorkelling and diving between continents are popular among tourists.

Further along the route lies the geothermal valley of Haukadalur, where intense subterranean activity has painted the earth in vibrant shades of copper, deep blue, and ochre. The area is world-famous thanks to the now-dormant Great Geysir, the ancient spring that gave its name to all geysers worldwide. Nowadays, however, the valley’s main attraction is Strokkur, an extremely active and reliable geyser that erupts every 6 to 10 minutes, launching a column of superheated water up to 20 metres into the air.

The final classic stop is the mighty Gullfoss — a roaring, two-tiered cascade fed by the vast Langjökull glacier — which is often considered among the world’s most spectacular waterfalls. On the return drive, travellers can easily add a few iconic detours: Kerid, a striking volcanic crater lake framed by steep, rust-red slopes, or the Secret Lagoon in Flúdir, Iceland’s oldest geothermal pool surrounded by steaming vents and a mini-geyser. Whether taken as a private standalone tour or a part of a scenic drive south, following the Golden Circle is undeniably one of the best things to do in Southern Iceland.

Visit Iceland’s most remarkable waterfalls

The spectacular, 60-metre-high Skógafoss is located near the small village of Skogar.

Iceland is undoubtedly the land of glaciers and waterfalls, and nowhere is their sheer abundance and dramatic variety more pronounced than in the south. While Gullfoss usually steals the show as part of the Golden Circle, every journey south should cover several of these other exceptional sites.

Driving east along the Ring Road, travellers can admire dramatic cliffs fed by glacial meltwater that gave rise to some of the country’s most iconic cascades. After Gullfoss, the next landmark along the route is Seljalandsfoss, which plummets 60 metres off a sheer cliff where a wide, hollowed-out cavern sits directly behind the curtain of water. This unique vantage point provides extraordinary photos, though waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are essential for entering the cave. Just a five-minute walk away lies Gljúfrabúi (which translates as the “Canyon Dweller”), a hidden 40-metre waterfall tucked entirely inside a narrow rock amphitheatre.

Further east lies the massive, perfectly rectangular Skógafoss. Standing 60 metres high and 25 metres wide, the cascade creates a thunderous, solid curtain of spray with immense force, where constant mist generated by the impact frequently produces vivid rainbows on sunny days. Visitors can climb a steep wooden staircase to the right of the fall to reach an upper viewpoint, which also serves as the trailhead for the famous Fimmvörduháls pass hike. Skógafoss also shares the valley with a quieter neighbour — Kvernufoss, a pristine 30-metre cascade hidden within a secluded gorge.

Ultimately, the undisputed architectural marvel of Southern Iceland is the remarkable Svartifoss, located further east in the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. Known as the “Black Waterfall,” this cascade drops 20 metres over a cliff face lined with hanging, hexagonal basalt columns that were formed by slow-cooling lava flows over centuries — a striking geological pattern that famously inspired the design of Reykjavík’s Hallgrímskirkja church. However, reaching Svartifoss requires a relaxed 45-minute hike each way from the Skaftafell Visitor Centre. Overall, travellers deciding what to see in Southern Iceland should undoubtedly add these remarkable waterfalls to their bucket list.

Set foot on Iceland’s legendary volcanic beaches

Reynisfjara beach near Vík í Mýrdal.

No trip to Southern Iceland is complete without visiting its renowned coastline, characterised by moody, jet-black sands formed over millennia as molten basalt lava met the freezing waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. Unlike traditional golden shores, these beaches feature dramatic volcanic rock formations, towering sea stacks, and stranded glacial ice, creating extraordinary landscapes.

Located next to the picturesque village of Vík, Reynisfjara — often considered the world’s most beautiful non-tropical beach — is framed by Gardar, a massive cliff of geometric basalt columns that resembles a giant, hand-carved organ. Visitors can also step inside Hálsanefshellir, a cavernous sea cave set directly beneath the dark pillars. The iconic Reynisdrangar sea stacks jutting from the ocean waves further enhance the dramatic scenery — according to Icelandic legends, these pillars were once two trolls attempting to drag a three-masted ship ashore before being turned to stone by the rising sun.

When visiting Reynisfjara, safety is paramount. Travellers must remain vigilant regarding sneaker waves — unusually large, powerful surges that suddenly sweep far higher up the shoreline than preceding waves with no warning — and should never turn their back on the ocean.

Diamond Beach, located further east near the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, offers a spectacular, high-contrast spectacle, displaying thousands of ice chunks scattered across its pitch-black volcanic sand like polished gemstones. The ice fragments range in colour from crystal-clear to deep, glowing neon blue and black-streaked ice, making the beach an unforgettable place to visit at sunrise or sunset. Without a shadow of doubt, these two coastlines represent some of the most remarkable things to see in Southern Iceland.

Explore the icy wonders of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is Iceland’s most popular destination for RIB boat tours, amphibious boat tours, and kayaking.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is not only home to the stunning Diamond Beach; the lagoon itself sits at the base of an outlet glacier branching from the massive Vatnajökull ice cap and stands as Iceland’s deepest lake, reaching up to 280 metres deep. Although arguably Iceland’s most famous natural attraction, Jökulsárlón didn’t exist a century ago — it was formed only when the glacier began melting and retreating due to rising temperatures.

Travellers journey from Reykjavík not just to admire massive icebergs calving off the glacier wall and drifting across serene blue waters, but to experience Iceland’s premier destination for water activities. The classic family favourite is the amphibious boat tour, where visitors board a heavy, yellow vehicle on land that rolls directly into the water — its slow pace makes it ideal for all ages. Thrill-seekers can opt for a high-speed RIB boat safari, while travellers favouring an active adventure can take to the water on an immersive kayaking tour.

While the lagoon itself remains pristine and protected, nearby boutique country hotels offer luxurious bases for an indulgent retreat. For those seeking a quieter alternative, Fjallsárlón lies just a ten-minute drive west — a smaller, less-crowded lagoon that offers an intimate, up-close view of a towering ice wall. Overall, exploring these icy waters — and Jökulsárlón in particular — is unquestionably one of the top things to do in Southern Iceland.

Become an ice cave explorer

Katla Ice Cave boasts dramatic, moody walls, in contrast to the classic “blue ice” caves.

Venturing into the country’s most magical and dynamic natural formations — the captivating ice caves — is an absolute must for travellers looking for what to do in Southern Iceland. Fortunately, this spectacular region boasts several world-class sites where visitors can step inside subterranean frozen worlds.

Katla Ice Cave is a genuine natural wonder located within an outlet glacier of Mýrdalsjökull, which rests directly atop the active Katla volcano. This unique volcanic origin gives the cavern dramatic, moody walls streaked with pitch-black bands of ancient ash from historical eruptions, setting it strikingly apart from classic “blue ice” caves. Because the glacier here is thick and stable, Katla can be accessed year-round, often as a thrilling super-jeep safari departing from the coastal village of Vík.

Further east in Vatnajökull National Park lie the outlet glaciers of Falljökull, Svínafellsjökull, and Breidamerkurjökull — all of them famous for their classic, glowing blue ice caverns, with glassy walls in intense shades of sapphire and aquamarine. However, as these ice caves form and melt with the seasons, they can be visited strictly during the winter months, typically November through March.

For travellers seeking a glacier experience regardless of the season and closer to the capital, Langjökull offers the “Into the Glacier” adventure — a massive, man-made ice tunnel carved directly into the ice cap. Easily reached as a day trip from Reykjavík or combined with a Golden Circle drive, it provides a structurally solid, year-round glimpse inside a frozen world.

Venture into an Icelandic lava cave

Raufarhólshellir, a 1.36-kilometre-long lava tube, is located just within a 30-minute drive from the capital.

Caving in Southern Iceland is not limited to the icy tunnels beneath glaciers — the region is also home to impressive lava tubes that showcase the country’s fiery volcanic origins.

Located just a 30-minute drive south of the capital, Raufarhólshellir is a massive, 1.36-kilometre-long lava tube formed roughly 5,200 years ago during the Leitahraun eruption. What sets this cave apart is its accessibility — unlike raw, undeveloped tunnels, it features custom-built wooden walkways with handrails and state-of-the-art LED lighting that highlights the rich mineral textures of the walls, painted in shades of dark red, orange, purple, and copper. A standard one-hour guided tour provides an easy introduction for every traveller, while fit adventurers can opt for a four-hour expedition that ventures far deeper into the cave.

For those seeking a raw, unrefined alternative, Leidarendi lies a similar distance from Reykjavík. Here, visitors will find no boardwalks, stairs, or artificial lighting — exploration requires strapping on a helmet with a headlamp to hike through raw basalt passages, occasionally ducking or crawling through narrow sections. But regardless of the choice, exploring one of the subterranean lava tubes is undeniably among the top things to do in Southern Iceland.

Embrace the power of hot springs

Sky Lagoon in Reykjavík is the most popular luxury spa in Iceland.

Fuelled by the active volcanic belt running through the island, geothermal water has always been central to Icelandic bathing culture. Travellers looking for what to do in Southern Iceland will find an exceptional variety of soaking experiences — from historic natural pools and wild geothermal rivers to oceanfront infinity spas.

Upon arriving at the Keflavík International Airport, visitors encounter the world-famous Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most iconic geothermal spa and a quintessential stop on any southwest itinerary. Set amidst a vast moss-covered lava field, the lagoon is renowned for its milky-cyan water, naturally enriched with silica, algae, and minerals sourced from the nearby Svartsengi resource park. Soaking in these warm waters against the stark, jet-black volcanic backdrop offers a truly otherworldly experience.

Just a short drive from central Reykjavík lies the luxurious Sky Lagoon. Designed with a dramatic 70-metre infinity edge that blends into the North Atlantic horizon, the lagoon evokes the atmosphere of a secluded canyon with walls built from traditional Icelandic turf and dark volcanic rock. A highlight of any visit is the signature seven-step Skjól ritual, which guides guests through hot and cold therapy, a body scrub, and a steam room before concluding with a refreshing drink.

Beyond the major luxury retreats, the region boasts several authentic geothermal gems. The Secret Lagoon in Flúdir provides a rustic, unpretentious bathing experience and holds the title of Iceland’s oldest swimming pool, making it a natural detour along the Golden Circle. Further inland in the Central Highlands, travellers can soak in geothermal pools framed by the striking rhyolite peaks of the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range. With the south dotted with steaming vents and natural baths, reserving time for these rejuvenating waters is an essential part of any Icelandic journey.

Become a glacier climber

Iceland is undoubtedly synonymous with vast ice caps, and glacier hiking or ice climbing sits high on the bucket list of many travellers. The south offers two premier hubs for these frozen expeditions: Sólheimajökull near the coastal village of Vík, and Skaftafell located further east near the famous Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Sólheimajökull, an outlet glacier of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap, is a convenient option for day-trippers, lying just over a two-hour drive from Reykjavík. The glacier is renowned for its dramatic zebra-striped appearance — caused by layers of black volcanic tephra from past eruptions — and features rugged ridges, deep crevasses, and striking moulins, cylindrical shafts carved straight down into the ice by meltwater. Beginners can join a classic three-hour hike across the ice field, while active adventurers can take on technical ice climbing, scaling vertical walls inside deep ice fissures.

For a grander scale, travellers can venture east towards Skaftafell, where guided expeditions run across outlet glaciers branching from Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap. Among them, Falljökull is celebrated for its dramatic, frozen icefall, while Svínafellsjökull’s razor-sharp ridges famously provided filming locations for major Hollywood films and shows. While both cater to advanced climbers, Skaftafell also offers gentle introductory walks across the ice for novices. Ultimately, setting foot on these dynamic ice formations is undeniably among the best things to do in Southern Iceland.

Explore the region’s picturesque villages

The village of Vik i Myrdal is the undisputed gem of Iceland’s southern coast.

While Southern Iceland is renowned for its untamed wilderness, the region’s charming towns and villages anchor the journey. Strung along Route 1, these picturesque settlements serve as vibrant culinary hubs, cultural gateways to Viking sagas, and launchpads for backcountry expeditions.

Just a 45-minute drive from Reykjavík lies Hveragerdi, a verdant town situated directly atop an active geothermal field, easily recognised by steam rising from backyard gardens and public parks. Abundant subterranean hot water fuels a thriving greenhouse industry, while local bakers use geothermal steam to slow-cook traditional Icelandic rye bread underground.

Further east along the Ring Road lies Selfoss, the region’s primary commercial hub. The town features a reconstructed historic centre — Midbær — filled with craft boutiques, modern restaurants, and bakeries. Just ten minutes south of Selfoss, travellers will find the coastal hamlets of Stokkseyri and Eyrarbakki, renowned for their preserved 19th-century timber architecture and traditional seafood restaurants.

Folklore enthusiasts will appreciate a stop in Hvolsvöllur, a settlement steeped in Norse literature and the historic Njál’s Saga. Here, visitors can learn about the Viking Age at the Saga Centre before experiencing the state-of-the-art volcanic and seismic exhibits at the Lava Centre.

Eventually, the route brings travellers to Vík í Mýrdal, the undisputed gem of the southern coast. Nestled beneath the Mýrdalsjökull glacier and framed by dramatic sea cliffs, Vík is celebrated for the iconic red-roofed Víkurkirkja church overlooking the ocean. The village serves as the main departure point for Katla ice cave expeditions and hosts the unique Icelandic Lava Show, where molten basalt is superheated to 1,100°C and poured over ice blocks right before spectators. With their distinctive charm and rich heritage, these settlements are unquestionably must-see places in Southern Iceland.

Set out on a challenging hike

The spectacular Godaland area in Thórsmörk National Park.

The best time to visit Southern Iceland for hiking is undoubtedly summer, when prime conditions prevail between mid-July and late August, with highland F-roads and mountain huts opening in mid-June. The southern interior is home to two world-renowned trekking hubs: Thórsmörk and Landmannalaugar.

Thórsmörk, translated literally as the “Valley of Thor,” is a protected nature reserve nestled between three towering ice caps: Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull, and Tindfjallajökull. Sheltered by these massive glaciers, the valley enjoys a milder, warmer microclimate, surprising travellers with lush Arctic birch woodlands, fern-filled ravines, and vibrant moss-covered canyons. Classic routes include the Stakkholtsgjá canyon (an easy two-hour gorge walk), Valahnúkur (a rewarding two-hour panoramic peak trek), and the Tindfjöll Circle (a strenuous six-hour loop).

Further into the Fjallabak Nature Reserve lies Landmannalaugar, celebrated for its geothermal activity and dramatic mountains painted in a surreal palette of colours. These peaks are formed of rhyolite — a silica-rich volcanic rock that creates vibrant shades of ochre, mustard yellow, teal, and rust red. At the valley floor, natural geothermal springs provide an ideal post-hike soak. Notable day trails include Brennisteinsalda (a three-hour loop through steaming lava fields), Bláhnjúkur (a steep four-hour ridge climb offering views of five glaciers on clear days), and Ljótipollur (a four-hour circuit around a vivid red-rimmed crater lake).

For seasoned backpackers, these areas connect to create legendary multi-day routes. The 55-kilometre Laugavegur Trail links Landmannalaugar to Thórsmörk over three to four days, traversing obsidian lava fields, glacial rivers, and the shores of Lake Álftavatn. From Thórsmörk, hikers can continue across the Fimmvörduháls Pass between the glaciers down to Skógafoss and back into civilisation. Despite requiring high-clearance 4×4 vehicles or specialised mountain buses to navigate rugged river crossings and F-roads, hiking in these highland reserves is undeniably among the best things to do in Southern Iceland.

Go wildlife watching in the Westman Islands

The uninhabited Ellidaey island in Vestmannaeyjar.

Vestmannaeyjar, commonly known as the Westman Islands, lies just off the south coast of Iceland and consists of 15 volcanic islands alongside dozens of jagged sea stacks. The only inhabited island in the archipelago is Heimaey, home to around 4,500 residents and the Eldfell volcano — famously dubbed the “Pompeii of the North” following its sudden 1973 eruption.

While the archipelago offers a dramatic backdrop of recent volcanic history and sheer basalt sea cliffs, the primary draw for visitors is its extraordinary birdlife. Vestmannaeyjar harbours the largest Atlantic puffin breeding colony in the world, hosting over a million nesting pairs every summer, making it one of the premier places to see in Southern Iceland.

The surrounding nutrient-rich coastal waters also attract diverse marine life. Summer sightings frequently include orcas, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises. The most exhilarating way to witness them is on a high-speed RIB boat safari, which manoeuvres into deep sea caves and navigates narrow gaps between towering sea stacks.

Reaching the archipelago is straightforward via a 45-minute ferry crossing from Landeyjahöfn, located roughly an hour’s drive east of Selfoss. While the islands are popular with day-trippers, staying overnight on Heimaey to witness the evening puffin flights and explore volcanic craters is essential for adventurers seeking what to do in Southern Iceland.

Marvel at spectacular panoramas from the Dyrhólaey peninsula

Rising 120 metres above the North Atlantic surf just west of Vík, Dyrhólaey is a dramatic promontory marking the southernmost point of mainland Iceland. Once a standalone volcanic island formed by submarine eruptions millennia ago, coastal sediment deposits gradually joined it to the mainland, creating the sweeping coastal headland seen today.

The peninsula is divided into two distinct visiting areas. The lower level overlooks the sweeping black sands of Kirkjufjara beach and the “Eagle Rock”, a 14-metre standalone basalt stack rising from the tide. The upper plateau is crowned by the historic 1927 castle-style lighthouse and the colossal basalt arch from which Dyrhólaey takes its name — a natural formation so massive that boats and even small planes have navigated through it. From this vantage point, visitors are treated to 360-degree panoramas stretching from the glaciers of Mýrdalsjökull to the infinite ocean horizon.

During the summer months, the sheer cliffs also transform into a bustling nesting haven for thousands of Atlantic puffins. Offering a remarkable combination of coastal geology, maritime history, and wildlife viewing, visiting this picturesque peninsula is undeniably one of the most rewarding and unusual things to do in Southern Iceland.

Travel to the Fjadrárgljúfur canyon

Hidden just off the Ring Road near the historic village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, the dramatic canyon of Fjadrárgljúfur stretches roughly 2 kilometres in length and plunges up to 100 metres deep. Formed around 9,000 to 10,000 years ago, the gorge was carved by progressive glacial runoff as the vast ice caps retreated at the end of the last Ice Age.

Today, visitors here can admire the sheer, serpentine cliff walls cloaked in delicate subarctic moss along a well-maintained walking trail. An easy one-hour hike leads to several dedicated viewing platforms overlooking the twisting gorge below. At the trail’s highest point, the chasm narrows to reveal the hidden Mögáfoss cascade tumbling directly into the head of the canyon. During summer, experienced hikers equipped with waterproof footwear can explore the base along the rocky riverbed, wading through shallow glacial waters.

Conveniently situated just off the Ring Road, this ancient gorge makes for a rewarding detour when driving between Vík and Jökulsárlón and stands out as one of the best things to see in Southern Iceland.

Venture into the otherworldly wilderness of Laki

Tucked away on the western edge of Vatnajökull National Park in the Southern Highlands, Laki — historically known as Lakagígar — offers a truly mesmerising landscape. Adventurers reaching this remote volcanic region are treated to views of a remarkable alignment of over 130 eruptive craters stretching for 27 kilometres across the terrain and forming a single dramatic fissure system.

The origins of this natural attraction are as devastating as its scenery is grand. The fissure tore open during an eight-month cataclysm between June 1783 and February 1784, unleashing an estimated 14 cubic kilometres of basalt lava. Over 120 million tonnes of toxic sulphur dioxide gas and ash were vented into the atmosphere, disrupting weather patterns across Europe, Asia, and North America. In Iceland, the resulting toxic haze decimated roughly half the island’s livestock, triggering the deadly Móduhardindin famine that claimed nearly a quarter of the population.

Today, travellers can explore this historic site and hike to the summit of Mount Laki on a moderate two-hour trail, which rewards climbers with a 360-degree panorama across the entire crater row stretching towards the Vatnajökull ice cap. Along the drive in from the lowlands, visitors pass the vast Eldhraun lava field, the largest moss-carpeted basalt plain on Earth. While reaching the area demands a high-clearance 4×4 for unpaved F-roads and unbridged river crossings, this volcanic expanse ranks among the best places to see in Southern Iceland.

Experience scuba diving and snorkelling

Travellers seeking what to do in Southern Iceland will discover another exceptional adventure, as the region offers some of the most remarkable cold-water diving and snorkelling on the planet. Fuelled by glacial runoff filtered for decades through subterranean volcanic basalt, these aquatic sites boast crystal-clear visibility, dramatic tectonic fissures, and bubbling geothermal vents. While snorkelling is accessible to most confident swimmers in drysuits, scuba diving typically requires certification.

The undisputed crown jewel of Icelandic diving is the Silfra fissure. Located in Thingvellir National Park, this is the only place on Earth where travellers can swim directly inside the continental rift separating the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Divers and snorkellers here enjoy over 100 metres of underwater visibility, with water temperatures hovering between 2°C and 4°C year-round.

On the same lake, divers will also find Davídsgjá. Often referred to as “the darker Silfra,” this fissure is deeper, wider, and far less crowded than its famous counterpart, plunging to depths exceeding 21 metres into Lake Thingvallavatn.

Further west on the Reykjanes peninsula, two additional aquatic sites stand out. Lake Kleifarvatn, set amidst a desolate volcanic expanse with no surface rivers feeding it, invites divers to explore bubbling underwater hot springs. Meanwhile, the coastal town of Gardur on the western tip of the peninsula serves as the premier ocean-diving hub, teeming with kelp forests, Atlantic wolffish, monkfish, flatfish, and colourful sea anemones.

Iceland presents unique travel challenges due to its dramatic and unpredictable terrain. Although the south is the country’s most accessible and heavily travelled corridor — anchored by the fully paved Route 1 (known as the Ring Road) — getting around Iceland remains more problematic than in other Nordic destinations.

Car hire and private transfers offer the greatest flexibility when exploring Southern Iceland. While standard 2WD vehicles and campervans are widely popular during the summer months, 4×4 vehicles are strongly recommended for winter driving and are legally required for navigating unpaved highland F-roads.

Route 1, commonly known as the Ring Road, serves as the primary travel artery across Southern Iceland.

Strætó, the national public transport network, operates scheduled bus routes connecting Reykjavík to major southern hubs including Selfoss, Hvolsvöllur, Vík, and Höfn. While reliable for point-to-point transit, public buses run infrequently and are not designed for sightseeing stops. During summer, specialised tour operators also run highland mountain buses, unlocking remote destinations like Thórsmörk and Landmannalaugar that are otherwise accessible only by high-clearance 4x4s.

The Westman Islands, or Vestmannaeyjar, require a separate mention: the archipelago is accessible via a 45-minute vehicle and passenger ferry from Landeyjahöfn, or via a quick 20-minute domestic flight from Reykjavík’s domestic airport.