Top 10 Tourist Attractions in South Iceland

If you are looking to hang out with your friends or family in 2020, there’s not a better place than South Iceland. It is because this part of Iceland is blessed with some of the most beautiful and stunning landscapes. With over 10,000 incredible waterfalls, large glaciers, famous volcanoes, glacial lagoons, and awe-inspiring mountains, South Iceland is the perfect travel destination for you. Here is the list of top 10 tourist attractions in South Iceland. Let’s have a look!

1. Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is one of South Iceland’s top tourist attractions. It also called “The Golden Triangle” because it is home to three strikingly beautiful locations: a gorgeous waterfall, a geyser which erupts frequently, and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the surroundings of the Golden Circle, Þingvellir National Park is a famous geological site in South Iceland. Back in 930 AD, Iceland’s first-ever parliament was also formed here. In 1930, Þingvellir was declared a National Park and is considered a protected shrine for all the Icelanders. Due to its fantastic universal value, cultural history, and outstanding natural environment, Þingvellir National Park was nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004.

According to the geologists, Iceland resulted due to the immense movements between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Þingvellir National Park is so famous all over the world because these tectonic plates are clearly visible and can be seen here. This area also has a high concentration of lava fields and volcanic activity.

Geysir Hot Spring Area is also located at the Golden Circle and is one of the most visited places in South Iceland. This geothermal field has a surface area of about 3 km square and consists of more than 12 hot water blowholes. It’s not the end! A ride along the Golden Circle also reveals the stunning Gullfoss Waterfall. It is a two-tired and massive waterfall present on the upper part of the Hvíta River. The water falls down in two stages, one 11 m high and the other 21 m high. In winter, the Gullfoss Waterfall freezes and presents a more charming view.

2. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach and Vik and Dyrhólaey

All of us have seen the white sandy beaches but what if I tell you there’s a lava beach in Reynisfjara South Iceland? With its black sand, towering cliffs, and lava formations, this Black Sand Beach is no doubt the coolest in Iceland. It was created by a lave flowing into the sea which cooled immediately by touching the water. Opposite of the ocean is a massive natural pyramid known as Garðar.

In southernmost Iceland, there comes a small but extremely scenic village known as Vik. It has a population of not more than 300 and presents extraordinary views at the time of sunset for some great pictures. Coming out from the ocean, the basalt rock stacks presents an impressive view as well.

Located on the south coast of Iceland, Dyrhólaey is a small promontory that was declared a nature reserve in 1978. This area not only covers the incredible landscape but it is also home to excellent wildlife, especially birds. Thousands of beautiful birds can be seen perching along the edge of the cliff. The contrast of the bird’s white feathers and the black sands below is something awe-inspiring.

3. Vatnajökull

Covering 8% of Iceland’s total area, Vatnajökull is Europe’s largest glacier and is the source of so many rivers and lakes. Just like all the other big glaciers, it has an active volcano underneath and is a top tourist attraction in south Iceland. Vatnajökull can be seen from Slættaratindur, Faroe Island’s highest mountain more than 500 km away, and therefore it holds the Guinness Book of World Record for “World’s Longest Sight Line.”

Established in 2008, the Vatnajökull National park not only encompasses the Vatnajökull glacier but also the surrounding areas. It is Europe’s second-largest national park and its unique qualities include its volcanic and geothermal activities, stunning landscapes, and picturesque sceneries.

In the southern part of Vatnajökull National park, you’ll come across an appealing glacier lagoon filled with icebergs. It is known as Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and is one of South Iceland’s most popular filming locations. It has a depth of 248 m and an 18 km square area. Next to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is the Diamond Beach where transparent and colored icebergs shine like diamonds. This beach is pretty unique because it never looks the same. Time after time, the icebergs melt away and are re-formed in a different shape.

At Vatnajökull, there are many beautiful natural ice caves such as the Crystal cave. It is a famous natural structure and is shaped by the massive glacial river every summer. It presents an absolutely alluring view when the light pours through its thick and heavy ice.

4. Thórsmörk

Here’s another paradise on Earth! Thórsmörk is a delightful area located between the glaciers in the Southern Highlands in Iceland. It is one of those valleys that looks too good to be true. Surrounded by lush green mountains, glacial rivers, thriving vegetation, and forests, Thórsmörk is literally out of a dream.

This valley is also known as the Hiker’s paradise and is one of the main reasons why tourists visit this place. There are various scenic hiking routes such as the Tindfjöll Circle. The loop takes around 5-6 hours and brings you up close to the stunning glaciers.

5. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is a famous tourist hotspot on the Seljalands River, South Iceland. It is different from other waterfalls because it offers the option to walk behind the torrents of the fall. This will be an absolutely amazing experience and a great photo opportunity as well. Seljalandsfoss waterfall consists of neat and clean water from the Eyjafjallajökull River and has a drop of 60m. There are thousands of strong waterfalls in South Iceland but it stands at the top.

6. Skógafoss Waterfall and Skógar Folk Museum

Skógafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in South Iceland with a width of 25 m and a height of 62 m. This appealing waterfall comes directly from two glaciers, Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull which makes it unique from other waterfalls. In this place, you can also experience the great Northern Lights, especially in the winter.

The Skógar Folk Museum is a cultural heritage and a top tourist attraction in South Iceland. Exhibited in 3 museums and 6 historical buildings, this famous museum is a collection of 18,000 regional folk craft artifacts. At Skógar Folk Museum, you can experience the great culture of Icelanders over the centuries and offers a huge variety of tools used by Icelanders for farming, fishing, and other purposes.

7. Mýrdalsjökull and Sólheimajökull Glacier

Mýrdalsjökull is an impressive glacier in the south of Iceland and is considered a hub for ice climbing and glacier hiking. It offers various adventurous activities and the country’s most powerful volcano, Katla, also lies beneath this glacier. Mýrdalsjökull has two glacial tongues, Sólheimajökull and Kötlujökull and that is what attracts most of the tourists.

The Sólheimajökull glacier presents a picturesque scene and is a glacial tongue of Mýrdalsjökull. It is along Iceland’s famous Ring Road and pretty close to Reykjavik. One thing you cannot miss here is to have an adventurous glacier hike. It will be a once in a lifetime experience and a memory you’ll never forget.

8. Sólheimasandur and abandoned US Navy plane

Sólheimasandur is a large area of sand and has absolutely outstanding surroundings such as the black sandy coastline with hills and rocks, rivers, streams, and great views of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Sólheimasandur is famous for its black sand area which is about 5-6 km wide and presents a charming view.

Sólheimasandur has become a famous tourist spot not just because of its beauty but more because of the old airplane wreck present here. In 1973, an American Navy DC-3 Airplane had to make an emergency landing on the coast. The plain was pulled from the coast up on the Sólheimasandur. They left the plane there and took what they could use.

9. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

South Iceland is blessed with so many spectacular canyons and one of them is Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. It is about 2 km long and has a unique serpent-like shape. This area got fame all over the world after Justin Bieber visited it and shot parts of his video ”I’ll show you” in the canyon in 2015. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon was formed during the last ice age when a glacial river carved its way through the soil. This canyon has beautiful tuff walls on both sides and the Fjaðrá River runs in between the steep walls and originates in the Geirlandshraun lava field.

10. Skaftafell Nature Reserve and Svartifoss Waterfall

Situated between massive glaciers, Skaftaffel Nature Reserve is a stunning place that draws in nature lovers from all over the world. It has towering colorful trees, beautiful valleys, and many hiking trails making it a top tourist attraction in South Iceland. Initially, the Skaftafell nature reserve was used mainly for farming but the two volcanic eruptions in the area brought an end to farming. In 1967, it turned into a national park.

Wait, we are not done yet! Here is another incredible waterfall in South Iceland, the Svartifoss. This waterfall is surrounded by lush green areas, spectacular mountains, and the dramatic landscapes of Vatnajökull National Park. This area is full of wildlife such as ravens, mice, Arctic foxes, and various kinds of charming birds.

You have to hike to the Svartifoss waterfall as there is no way to reach their by car. You can hike from the Skaftafell Visitor Center to the Svartifoss waterfall, which is a 3.5 km round trip. On your way, you will also come across the delightful Hundafoss waterfall.