Discover South Iceland

South Iceland showcases nature in many different forms: colourful rhyolite mountains and hot springs, trails through rugged highlands, waterfalls and traces of Icelandic history. If you are travelling with your family, you can decide during the planning stage which experiences you would like to focus on. The options range from short circular walks to multi-day treks; nature watching and historical sites offer entirely different discoveries, too.

Highlands and trails for every kind of outing

Landmannalaugar is known for its colourful rhyolite mountains and geothermal hot springs. Its extensive network of trails ranges from short circular walks to multi-day treks. Landmannalaugar is also the starting point for the Laugavegur hiking trail. This variety makes the area appealing for different travel plans: you can focus on short hikes or plan a longer trek.

Þórsmörk has a different highland character: this nature reserve lies between glaciers, rivers and rugged mountains in the southern highlands. Well-marked trails lead to viewpoints, gorges and river crossings. Here, the focus is on the changing landscapes along the trails. When choosing nature experiences, you can distinguish between Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk based on the features described: colourful mountains and geothermal springs in one place, glaciers, rivers and rugged mountain terrain in the other.

Water, geothermal features and remarkable natural sites

At Seljalandsfoss, a footpath runs behind the waterfall. This offers an unusual viewpoint and a specific reason to include the site in your excursion plans. In the Geysir geothermal area, the Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes. While the path at Seljalandsfoss lets you see the waterfall from a special perspective, Strokkur’s recurring eruption is the defining natural event there.

Protected areas and national parks are also part of the region’s natural history. The Fjallabak Nature Reserve was protected in 1979. Vatnajökull National Park is one of two national parks in South Iceland. These protected areas complement the specific experiences offered by waterfalls and geothermal areas with another perspective on the landscape. Þórsmörk is also a nature reserve.

Historical traces and cultural discoveries

In Þjórsárdalur lie the remarkably well-preserved ruins of the Viking Age longhouse at Stöng. They were probably buried by the 1104 eruption of Hekla. A reconstruction of the farmstead, Þjóðveldisbærinn, offers insights into medieval Icelandic life. The ruins and reconstruction provide two different ways to explore the past: one through surviving remains, the other through a depiction of a farmstead.

Þingvellir National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can walk between tectonic plates there and explore the birthplace of Iceland’s parliament. At this site, nature and history come together in two clearly defined themes. Another, more recent relic is the aircraft wreck at Sólheimasandur, which tourists visit. The range of discoveries therefore extends from Viking Age ruins and medieval life to a more recent landmark that draws visitors.

When looking for a holiday rental in South Iceland, it helps to first decide what kind of trip you want: would you like to focus on hiking trails and highland landscapes, are you more interested in waterfalls and geothermal features, or would you like to combine nature experiences with historical sites? The options described have different themes and range from short circular walks to multi-day treks.

For an overview of the subregions: Selfoss, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Hella, Vestmannaeyjar, Hveragerdi, Flúdir, Vík Í Mýrdal, Laugarvatn, Laugarás, Eyrarbakki, Stokkseyri, Kálfafell, Hvolsvöllur, Skálholt, Villingaholt, Ólafsvellir, Skeiðflötur, Vestmannaeyjabær, Hruni, Ásólfsskáli, Grafarkirkja, Keldur, Búðarhólshverfi, Háfur, Sólheimar, Stóri Núpur, Úlfljótsvatn, Grimsnes, Þykkvibær and Blaskogabyggd.

For the broader travel overview: Iceland.