Simply put, Iceland is the Earth in its most raw and primal state.Visitors flock to Iceland to take in its natural splendors and no where is better suited to take them in than South Iceland. Easily accessible as a day trip from Reykjavik or as part of a trip around Iceland’s famed Ring Road; South Iceland packs in a bounty of natural sights, each one more spectacular than the last. Iceland is a photographer’s dream Fire and ice, earth and wind; in Iceland the elements have combined to create one of the most varied and breathtaking landscapes on Earth. Here’s a look at just a few of the wonders you can take in during a visit to South Iceland.
Thingvellir National Park
Often the first stop on a tour of the Golden Circle, Thingvellir is the where you can view the where North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Resulting in a large abyss-like fissure, this is the only place in the world that you can view tectonic plates above ground. This is also an area of cultural significance in Iceland as the site of the Althing, or the world’s first parliament. From the year 930 to 1798, chieftains would come from across the island to discuss politics and shape the future of Iceland.
More on driving through Iceland’s Golden Circle.
Geysers
The next stop on the popular Golden Circle route is Haukadalur, home to the Geysir and Strokkur geysers. Though it rarely erupts now, Geysir is regarded as the first gushing hot spring to be recorded in print and is the namesake for all the world’s geysers. Strokkur, on the other hand, puts on a reliable and brilliant display. It’s worth it to brave the strong sulfuric smell to watch the hot spring burst into a stream nearly 100 feet high; you’re almost guaranteed an incredible show as Strokkur erupts regularly every 10 minutes.
Waterfalls
In a country filled with gorgeous waterfalls South Iceland is home to three of the prettiest in the country. Gullfoss, located near the Golden Circle attractions of Geysir and Thingvellir, is widely regarded as Europe’s most powerful waterfall. The Hvítá River drops 105 feet in a breathtaking double cascade making Gullfoss one of Iceland’s most visited sites. Heading south you can stop by Seljalandsfoss; a narrow, glacier fed fall that drops over 200 feet. Walk behind the falls for a striking view of the coastal planes through the cascade’s curtain, just be sure to wear water resistant clothing as you will get soaked.. On the South Coast lies Skogafoss, one Iceland’s most dramatic waterfalls. At 80 feet wide, the Skogar River flows over former seacliffs dropping 200 feet to the valley below. Climb the trail alongside Skogafoss for panoramic views of the coast or access to trails leading into Iceland’s rugged highlands.
What to wear in Iceland in the Winter
Iceland Ring Road Itinerary in the Winter
Glaciers
South Iceland is home to several massive glaciers that are easily accessible for viewing but I recommend getting up close to fully experience the ever-changing icy expanse. These massive ice sheets have carved out dramatic sweeping landscapes along Iceland’s South Coast but witnessing how far they have receded in recent years shows just how powerful and fragile the glacial ecosystem can be. No matter how you choose to experience Iceland’s glaciers; whether it’s hiking, ice climbing or exploring the crystalline blue ice caves- it’s best to go with a guide for safety as the glaciers themselves are constantly changing.
Black Sand Beaches
At Iceland’s southernmost tip lies the stunning black sand beaches of Vik. Named one of the ten most beautiful beaches by Island magazine, the contrast between the black basalt sand and the crashing whitecaps of the North Atlantic provides one of the most dramatic landscapes in all of Iceland. Offshore a trio of basalt rock formations called Reynisdrangar rise from the sea; local folklore tells a tale that these columns were three trolls who were trying to bring their boats ashore and were turned to stone with the light of dawn. The cliffs nearby are popular with a variety of seabirds and most notably are breeding grounds for colonies of puffins.
Glacier Lagoons
In the remote southeastern area of Iceland the vast Vantajokull glacier cap feeds into two striking glacier lagoons. Jokulsarlon is the larger of the two and a popular tourist attraction; while not as well known Fjallsarlon is smaller but no less stunning. Both glacier lagoons continue to grow in size due to glacial melt, in 1956 Jokusarlon measured 4.5 square kilometers; today it measures over 25 square kilometers. Amphibious and zodiac boat tours are available to explore these otherworldly lagoons.
While I took four days to explore this gorgeous part of Iceland you can also see quite a bit on a one day itinerary of Iceland’s South Coast from Reykjavik.
Take a look at these amazing tips for visiting Iceland on a budget.
Check out these amazing tips for camping in Iceland.
Looking for an affordable place to stay in Iceland’s capital? Check out the best hostels in Reykjavik.
Hitch-Hikers Handbook says
What an amazing place! I’m so jealous of your experience, Brianna! 🙂 I would love to go to Iceland as all the natural wonders you mentioned must be incredible to see with your own eyes!
Brianna says
Thanks, Iceland is a must for any world traveler!
Erica says
Iceland is so mystical to me. It’s quite otherworldly. And yes, it’s definitely on my bucket list.
Brianna says
Hopefully you can get there sooner rather than later!
bianca @ItsAllBee says
Gorgeous pictures! I have been dreaming about visiting this place for such a long time. Excited that I am now booked to visit July next year! 🙂
Brianna says
Thanks Bianca, you’ll have a fabulous time!
Carmen | Carmen's Luxury Travel says
Great pictures Brianna! Iceland is such a beautiful country with many incredible things to see. It looks like you had a wonderful experience. I’ve never been but it’s very high on my bucket list to go. I really want to go see the Northern Lights, and they say that Iceland is the best places to see them.
Brianna says
While I was there in the summer with nearly 24 hours of daylight, I’d love to return in the winter to see the Northern Lights as well!
Holly says
Looking forward to getting to Iceland one day soon. Beautiful. Seems like there is sooooo much to see.
Brianna says
It really is one of the world’s most special places.
Kathrin says
I hope to travel to Iceland soon – I only hear fantastic things about this country! And I want to see the Northern Lights, and Iceland seems like a good place to try. I will definietly do some things you mentioned in your post, too 😉
Brianna says
No matter what time of year you go you Iceland is just stunning.
Lesley says
Iceland is the number one place on my list that I have yet to visit. That first waterfall photo reminded me that I need to put it on my 2016 list. Amazing!
Brianna says
Hopeefully you get there sooner rather than later!
Megan Claire says
Fabulous post! I agree that Iceland is one of the most majestic countries in the world – we spent a full two weeks there but that wasn’t nearlly enough for exploring, and I still actually have many of the places you mentioned left on my bucketlist. Pretty good excuse in my mind for a return visit! – We did a lot of the NOrth, though sadly on the days we drove through the South it was pouring with rain. We’ll be back though!
Brianna says
I’ll definitely be back to explore the west and north, it is just a spectacular country!
Aileen Adalid says
Oh my… this looks so BREATHTAKING. I have been eyeing Iceland for a long while already, and as one of the least visited countries in Europe, I HAVE to get there soon (I hope!) Thanks for sharing!
Brianna says
I don’t know anyone who hasn’t love Iceland, I’m sure you will too!
Jenna says
It just looks so amazing. I’ve been wanting to visit for quite a while. Can’t wait to make it there someday.
Brianna says
I hope you make it to Iceland Jenna, it was just stunning.
Claudia says
I have seen lots and lots of posts on Iceland lately. Lots of people visiting and falling in love with it. I would love to go too – but I am always concerned that my limited budget would not allow it!
Brianna says
Iceland is definitely an expensive country but you can definitely experience it on a budget.
Lindsay Nieminen says
the glacier lagoon looks amazing! (as do the rest of the places, but i really want to see icebergs and this looks so similar!) Ive never been to iceland but the next time we get to the UK i think we will have to hop over there for a few days! I love photographing nature and Iceland looks beautiful!
Brianna says
There are a couple places you can view glaciers and icebergs, it really is gorgeous.
Carolann - One Modern Couple says
Amazing!! Iceland is DEFINITELY on my list of places to visit! The black sand beaches, the glaciers, everything really looks like a surreal visual experience!
Brianna says
Iceland is like no other place on Earth.
Tamara says
Such great descriptions and beautiful pictures Brianna! It makes me want to go back.
Brianna says
Perhaps we can go back in the winter to see the Northen Lights?
Andi says
What an amazing – still unspoiled region of the world to discover!
Brianna says
and there is so much of the country I have yet to explore!
Dean says
What an impressive place. Every time I see anything about Iceland I think to myself, will definitely have to go there. Then it sorts of fades back on the wishlist until next time I see something. So, I will definitely have to go there!
Brianna says
I recommend Iceland to any nature lover.
BonBon says
WOW!!! amazing shots and description… Hopefully I can bring my kids here one:) SUCH a BEAUTY!!! Thanks for the post…
Brianna says
Iceland is great for kids, check out my friend Tamara’s blog We3Travel for her experience traveling in Iceland with her daughter.
Kelly @ TastingPage says
Iceland has not been on my bucket list, but after looking at these pictures, it might need to be added. Those natural wonders are truly amazing. I remember seeing Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and couldn’t believe the force of the spray. Quite awesome!
Brianna says
I really hope you add Iceland to your list, it is stunning!
Alexa Meisler says
Yes, Iceland is on my bucket list! Your photos are amazing and this is the first time I’ve seen photos of the black sand beaches. Loved the gallery and suggestions. Now, I just need to plan the dates to visit!
Brianna says
Thank you for you kind words, I wanted to stop every 5 minute to take pictures.
travelling chingrita says
This is such an amazing post, I’m going to share this because it hits some awesome places to visit. South Iceland looks like incredibly beautiful! What time of year did you end up going?
Brianna says
We were there in early June just before high season.
Katrina the Two Week Traveler says
Gorgeous photos! My parents went to Iceland 2 months ago and they did a lot of the same things. I’m dying to go! I don’t think I’d do that glacier trek though. Were you high up off the ground? Or do you just have cramp ons and hooks because it’s slippery?
Brianna says
We just hand crampons for traction on the ice. We didn’t do any ice climbing but it is available.
Carol Colborn says
Amazing photos! How did you get a picture of that waterfall from behind? We were there in 2014 and didn’t get as close to those things you saw! We just had a day in each of three cities in the south, west and north. Envious!
Brianna says
There is a trail behind the waterfall, just be prepared to get wet!
Portia @ Migrant Muse says
Iceland is definitely on my list of places to visit! It looks and sounds like a beautiful country to explore. What time of the year were you there?
Brianna says
We were there in early June just before the high season.
Nyssa | The Cultureur says
Beautiful photos — makes me miss Iceland so much!
Brianna says
Thank you! I would love to have the opportunity to be there for a few months like you did.
Alyssa says
Beautiful! I would love to go here someday. Natural wonders are the best!
Christina says
Going to Iceland was a major check off our bucket list. Your pictures reminded me how much fun we had visiting. There is just so much amazing nature to see even if you just confine your visit to South Iceland.
Brianna says
I want to explore the Westfjords and the North coast next time.
Andra says
Your photos are amazing! Iceland is for sure on my bucket list, just hope I get to see it soon