SamuelIceland… This country has long intrigued my travel curiosity. With a moniker such as the land of fire and ice, it has long captured my imagination. This sparsely inhabited island country in the northern corner of the Atlantic has also become one of the hottest and most popular tourist destinations in recent years, with some of the best and most unique sights and places on the planet.
Visitors, ourselves included, flock to this sparsely inhabited volcanic island in the north Atlantic to marvel at its beauty. Hardly surprising, given its magical landscape, unique geography, and amazing views throughout the whole country.
Despite its relatively modest size as a country, this place packs a punch in terms of beautiful sights and places. Its landscape is so diverse that you’d feel like you’ve been transported from one planet to another in just a couple of hours drive away.
This country is generally divided into several regions based on their geography, namely South, East, North, Westfjords, West, Reykjanes Peninsula, and the Capital Area. Each region is so unique and diverse that they warrant days or even weeks to be explored on its own.
After years, we finally managed to visit this amazing country for three weeks, which we think is just perfect to explore the whole island. We also create an itinerary suggestion for a three weeks road trip around Iceland. Not only that, we also outline how we did our budgeting during the trip including some tips for traveling to Iceland on the cheap.
Here in this post, we first would like to share some of the best sights and places in South Iceland, a vast region that is abound with wonderful waterfalls, volcanic marks, and great hiking area. We also give some tips and accessibility description regarding each sight and place, including the link to parking location, to help you plan your visit to this amazing region.
1. Seljalandsfoss
Chances are, this would be the first major waterfall that you’d encounter during your trip along Iceland’s Ring Road 1. This waterfall will definitely catch your attention from the distance as you are approaching. In a sunny afternoon, the sun shining at the waterfall will create a magical rainbow, truly a sight to behold.
What makes this waterfall even more unique is that you can even walk behind it through a well made trail to experience the rambling waterfall from up close. Don’t forget though to bring a waterproof or water repellent coat.
Tip: as of 2017 there is a parking fee (ISK 700 per day) for the parking lot directly in front of the waterfall. However, you can park for free if you put your car a bit further away and walk around 500 meters to Seljalandsfoss (see the map).
Accessibility: Directly accessible from the parking lot, no need to hike. Just be careful when walking behind the waterfall since the ground is always wet and can be a bit slippery.
2. Gljúfrabúifoss
This is a really unique waterfall because it is located inside a cave. Many people skip or miss this waterfall, but that doesn’t mean that you should. It is located directly next to Seljalandsfoss, behind a camping site, less than 10 minutes walk away.
The entrance of the cave is well marked and chances are there will be some people lining up to get in there. When walking towards the waterfall, you’d definitely get sprayed with lots of water, so bring your waterproof coat and waterproof shoes. It is however truly worth the effort where you can see the water tumbling down in the cave with sun shining from the hole above.
Accessibility: the entrance of the cave is easily accessible from the parking lot. However, to get to the waterfall itself you’d need to navigate on series of stones placed in the river originating from the waterfall itself.
3. Skógafoss
This is one of the most famous waterfall in Iceland, not least because it was used in a scene of Thor: The Dark World. It is also widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the country. Not difficult to see why; you’d be taken aback by its size and its picturesque setting sandwiched by lush green hills.
Accessibility: Easily reachable from the parking lot, no need to hike. You can also walk up the metal stairs next to the fall to get a view of Skógafoss and its surroundings from above.
4. Kvernufoss
Despite being located only a stone’s throw away from Skógafoss, many people skip this beauty of a waterfall. Nicely tucked inside a deep valley, its setting will definitely wow you.
What’s more, just like Seljalandsfoss, you can also walk behind this waterfall. The view from there is surreal, where the valley backdrop perfectly frames the tumbling water.
Accessibility: You can park your car a bit further away past the Skógar museum, directly next to the start of the short path leading to Kvernufoss, about 10 minutes walk. You’d need to navigate through a short trail, quite steep in some parts, to get all the way to the front and behind the waterfall.
5. 1973 U.S. Navy DC Plane Wreck
This is a sight in Iceland of a different nature. In fact, it is not a natural sight but rather man-made, namely an abandoned plane wreck on Iceland’s south coast on a black sand beach. After all the decades of exposure to the harsh Icelandic climate, most of the plane’s body still remain intact.
The plane wreck gives an apocalyptic feeling, especially given its setting on a dull and barren black sand area. The wreckage has become a somewhat popular photography spot, hardly surprising due to its dramatic view.
Accessibility: You can park your car in a designated parking area and walk about 3.5 km to the plane wreck (1-1.5 hour). Be wary that it’s a long dull walk through an empty, wind-swept, rocky plain. Be prepared for any weather, wear good coat, and bring some food and water. Apparently tourists had lost their way and perished here before during a heavy snow storm.
6. Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey is a massive rocky hill with steep cliffs facing the sea on one of the southernmost tip of Iceland. It is a protected area especially because its cliffs are prominent nesting area for sea birds.
From up its hills you can also get a wonderful view over the rough sea off the south of Iceland and the neighboring Reynisfjara beach. There are also some short walking trails around the area.
Accessibility: There is a parking lot from where you can walk to the cliff side and around the area. Be wary of the cliff edge though.
7. Reynisfjara beach
This is quite a popular black sand beach on the south coast of Iceland. What makes Reynisfjara unique is the photogenic basalt rock columns formations that can be found on its shore.
Tip: Be wary that this is not a beach for relaxing since the rolling waves can be deadly. Stay clear from the sea, even during a good day since the waves can still come unexpectedly and drag an unsuspecting victim, which has happened on multiple occasions.
Accessibility: There is a parking lot by the beach in front of a cafe.
8. Eldhraun lava field
A considerably large part of south Iceland is covered with frozen lava field from past volcanic eruption. One of the best places to observe this is none other than the Eldhraun lava field, north east of the southernmost town of Vik.
This popular lava field is spread across a large area, and the Ring Road 1 cuts right through this place. The green moss cover on most of the lava rocks offers an otherworldly feeling to this place. Just be wary to stick to the designated path and not stepping on and damaging the moss.
Accessibility: The lava field can be found directly next to the road. We recommend two nice parking spots where you can wander off to the lava field and capture some great photos. The first one is at the intersection with road 204 (red dot in the map), and the second one is at the official parking lot.
9. Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon
This canyon is highly rated as one of the most beautiful and dramatic in Iceland. Carved by a river, this deep canyon is just as impressive as it is picturesque. There are many spots to capture wonderful photos from all around the area.
Accessibility: After navigating a gravel road branching from the main Ring Road 1, there is a parking lot near the canyon and an easy trail will lead you to the rim of the canyon, which is a short uphill walk away. There are also easily accessible viewing platforms in some area.
10. Hike to Thórsmörk
From behind Skógafoss waterfall, there is a starting point of the trail leading to Thórsmörk. The 25 km trail, named Fimmvörðuháls, is one of the most popular and beautiful in Iceland and is usually completed in about 10 hours. We attempted this trail, but after walking halfway, an injury forced us to return to Skógafoss.
For those less accustomed to long hiking, we would strongly recommend to at least walk the first 4-5 km along the river upstream of Skógafoss. You’d be rewarded with countless of amazing waterfalls during this two to three hours walk. The raw mountainous scenery around is also ridiculously beautiful.
Accessibility: The starting point is at Skógafoss waterfall with plenty of parking spots. To walk the trail itself, proper preparation and hiking equipment are needed. The path is clearly marked and at least the walk along the first 4-5 km is not very difficult and beginner hikers can definitely make it. However, bring water and food and always be prepared for any kind of weather.
11. Hiking in Þakgil
A real hidden gem in Iceland. The landscape and scenery around Þakgil are some of the most beautiful and amazing that we’ve seen so far. The jutting pointy peaks and deep valleys covered in green grass and moss are simply surreal.
From the camping site and cabin in Þakgil, there are several one-day hiking trails, varying in difficulty and length, that can be walked to explore the beautiful area.
The view over the vast expanse of glacier field is unforgettable. The crown jewel of the area is the wall of glacial ice over a deep cliff, where the ice is carved out slowly but surely under the bright sun ray, thundering down to the bottom of the valley.
Accessibility: The camping site at Þakgil can be reached by car from the Ring Road 1 through a 14 km of difficult winding gravel road. A normal car would do, but a 4WD car would definitely fare a lot better. From there, the trail starts and information about the trail can be obtained from an information board.
12. Seljavallalaug natural hot pool
How about relaxing in the oldest remaining swimming pool with natural hot water in the whole country? You can do it in the Seljavallalaug hot pool, built back in 1923. It is located in a scenic green valley and the hot water is constantly being supplied to the pool through a pipe and also a stream flowing down along the stone wall to the side.
The pool itself is unfortunately kind of run down and half neglected, especially the changing room building. But that did not stop people, ourselves included, to relax in its soothing warm water. The water is somewhat greenish in color due to moss, but it is perfectly fine to bathe in. And the best part is, it is completely free of charge! However, donations are welcomed in the donation box.
Accessibility: There is a parking lot near the pool, but you’d still have to walk for about 20 minutes to the pool itself. There is a well maintained path leading there.
13. Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River
This hot spring is really one of a kind. Where else could you bathe in a river with natural hot water flow. To our opinion, this is the best place to experience bathing in the natural hot spring in Iceland.
You can pick where you’d like to bathe in the long stretch of river, and the more upstream it is, the hotter the water is. So, you can even pick the right and comfortable temperature for yourself! Be wary that it could get quite crowded, but you’d still find a place for yourself. And it’s also completely free of charge!
Accessibility: From the parking lot, you’d still have to hike for around 3 km uphill to reach the river. It is indeed quite heavy, but you’ll be rewarded with calming, relaxing, and soothing hot water at the end!
So, that was our take on the best sights and places in South Iceland. If you’d like to get more impression on the each place, check out our YouTube video about the highlights of South Iceland below!
