Top 10 South Iceland wonders you can’t miss

Are you a traveller that's interested in exploring natural highlights in South Iceland? Then this article is designed to inspire you as you figure out your itinerary, showcasing the region's must‑see landscapes and geological marvels. Through this compilation of the best South Iceland wonders, we'll explore what to expect and offer practical tips for your visit. If you're hoping to book a South Coast adventure with Icelandia, why not take a look at these suggestions before settling on your final plans?

What to expect and where to visit

As this South Iceland travel guide will demonstrate, Iceland's brimming with natural wonders. Its diverse and dramatic landscapes earn it the nickname the Land of Fire and Ice. Here, you can explore glacier-capped volcanoes and dazzling iceberg-strewn lagoons, towering cliffs and canyons with jaw-dropping waterfalls, striking black sand beaches and unending outwash plains riddled with braided rivers. It’s this variety that is so compelling.

If you're at the early planning stages of your trip, you might be comparing the Golden Circle versus the South Coast highlights. We'd urge you to consider both – while the south coast doesn't boast the steaming geothermal landscapes that you'll encounter elsewhere, such as on the Reykjanes peninsula or along the Golden Circle route, it delivers on just about everything else, but the historical significance of Þingvellir is also a must in our book.

But back to South Iceland: here's what to expect from this stellar all-rounder of a region.

Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi

Waterfalls in South Iceland are a standout, so to visit the south coast and not spend time admiring Seljalandsfoss would be a great pity. This incredible waterfall cascades over a 60 metre high cliff in plain view of the ring road. Nevertheless it richly rewards those who pull off the highway to take a closer look. This place is special: it's a rare thing to be able to walk behind a curtain of water and gaze out over the surrounding countryside as you can here. And there's a bonus: another waterfall concealed within a cleft in the rock just a short walk away. Be sure to stroll over to Gljúfrabúi as well before you continue with your journey. It’s often possible to venture into the water here but make sure you've come prepared with waterproof boots and clothing if so.

Skógafoss

Most tours of Iceland's south coast also stop at Skógafoss. This impressive waterfall is as tall as its near neighbour Seljalandsfoss but much broader. Set back from the main road, it’s a jaw-dropping sight at any time of year, but especially in winter when the surrounding landscape is dusted with snow or when the sun catches the water to form a stunning rainbow. Before you reboard the bus, be sure to climb the steps that hug the eastern flank of the waterfall; from the top not only do you get a different perspective on Skógafoss itself but also a magnificent view of the south coast in both directions. Tucked away Kvernufoss, its less well known neighbour, is also beautiful if you have the time for both.

Sólheimasandur’s plane wreck

More than fifty years ago, a US Navy cargo plane came down in bad weather. No lives were lost – fortunately the crew walked away – but the aircraft was a write off and was left where it landed. Strictly speaking, of course, a plane wreck isn't considered one of the natural wonders of South Iceland. Yet the vast and unspoilt glacial outwash plain that surrounds it, coupled with the increasingly weathered state of the fuselage itself makes this worthy of a place on our list. To preserve the natural state of the environment surrounding the crashed plane, access is limited to hikers or those who use our plane wreck shuttle to reach the site, saving themselves a considerable out and back walk. There are other more adventurous options to reach the plane wreck, including our newly launched E-bike rental from the Sólheimasandur parking lot and our very popular Buggy and ATV tours that stop by at the plane wreck.

Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey

The South Iceland attractions contained within the area around Vik are among the undisputed highlights of any tour to this part of the country from Reykjavik. Approaching from the west, you'll reach both Reynisfjara black sand beach and Dyrhólaey before you get to this charming tourist hub. Reynisfjara is a stretch of volcanic shoreline that has gained great notoriety in recent years as a result of its dangerous sneaker waves. Follow your guide’s advice about how close you can get to the water’s edge; heed the traffic light system that’s in place to warn of perilous conditions. Its fabulous cave flanked by basalt columns and offshore sea stacks are visible even when you can’t safely access the beach itself. Nearby, the Dyrhólaey peninsula is a real treat for birdwatchers, particularly during breeding season.

Katla ice caves

Thrill seekers will be eager to get acquainted with South Iceland’s glaciers. While you’ll get a great view of Mýrdalsjökull as you close in on Vik, nothing beats getting up or under the glacier. Ice cave tours are possible year-round in this part of the country. Super jeeps ferry tourists up from the coast over rough tracks and stark terrain. Kitted out with helmets and crampons, the last part of the journey takes place on foot as the group hikes to the edge of the ice. Boardwalks, ropes and roughly hewn steps ensure that visitors can step inside tunnels and caverns created by seasonal meltwater and glacial erosion. It’s a magical landscape and one that’s a real privilege to see close up.

Sólheimajökull

Glaciers and volcanoes are what South Iceland is known for: the country’s unique geography draws visitors from around the globe and rightly so. The glacier Sólheimajökull can accurately be described as an adventure playground, the backdrop to glacier hikes and memorable kayaking trips across the lagoon it has created. Take a guided hike up onto the surface of the glacier where your guide will explain the processes that have led to the formation of deep crevasses, ice cauldrons and moulins. Alternatively clamber aboard a sit on top kayak and slip out into the waters of the lagoon to appreciate the glacier from a different perspective and learn more about its role in creating this breathtaking yet vulnerable landscape.

Fjaðrárgljúfur

South Iceland contains a number of remarkable canyons, but this is probably the most famous. Formed around nine thousand years ago at the end of the last Ice Age, today, a serpentine stream winds its way through a series of exquisite moss-covered interlocking spurs. The scale of this vertiginous canyon blows your mind; its walls stand around 30 metres tall and the canyon itself is about 2 kilometres long. Verdant in summer and magical under winter snow, Fjaðrárgljúfur is a striking sight no matter when you come, both from the water’s edge and from the rim of the canyon itself – well worth the detour off the main road.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

For many visitors to Iceland, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is the standout highlight of their entire trip – one of the natural wonders South Iceland is most famous for. Here, meltwater from Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of the much larger Vatnajökull collects to form a spectacular lake. Seals are often present, adding to its appeal. Icebergs that have calved from the glacier drift on this lagoon, eventually making their way to the ocean along a tidal channel. Though it’s possible to view the glacier and the icebergs from the shore, we recommend adding a boat trip to your booking as this gets you much closer. If you’re keen to get a little off the beaten track then consider instead the neighbouring lagoon. Fjallsárlón tends to be overlooked by bigger tour groups and offers a more exclusive experience – and you can still enjoy a Zodiac boat trip here.

Diamond Beach

Those icebergs that bob out to sea from Jökulsárlón are washed back onto the shore by Atlantic breakers. These chunks of ice, in varying shapes and sizes, are sculpted over time by the waves. In soft light, or at sunrise or sunset, it’s at its prettiest, but there’s no bad time to visit and include a boat ride. Even on a cloudy day, the juxtaposition of these translucent hunks of ice against a beach formed of dark charcoal grey sand will have you reaching for your camera. Without a doubt, this – and Jökulsárlón too – is a must-photograph sight. When it’s sunny, they glisten like diamonds, giving the place its nickname – Diamond Beach. Locals call it Fellsfjara or alternatively, Breiðamerkursandur. However you choose to refer to it, it’s a delightful place and one of many South Iceland attractions you absolutely should not miss.

Þórsmörk

Our final pick for this roundup of South Iceland wonders is arguably the loveliest part of Iceland’s Southern Highlands. Þórsmörk – the name translates as Thor’s Valley – is a lush oasis in comparison to the stark beauty of much that surrounds it. It’s hard to beat the Þórsmörk and Eyjafjallajökull views if scenic landscapes appeal. You can come here on a day trip, either making use of the Highland Bus in summer or by signing up for a thrilling super jeep tour outside peak season. For those keen to spend more time out in the great outdoors, explore more on a multi-day hiking trip to Þórsmörk. If you’re fit and adventurous, you might want to consider following the splendid Fimmvörðuháls trail. This is one of Iceland’s most attractive long-distance hiking routes and connects Þórsmörk with Skógafoss. If you venture inland instead of towards the coast, the Laugavegur Trail eventually deposits walkers at mineral-rich Landmannalaugar where you’ll find the historic People’s Pools.

A note about seasonality

Almost all the best natural sights in South Iceland are accessible year-round, but your experience may differ depending on what month you come and visit. Broadly speaking, summer offers the most possibilities as the long days and fine weather make it easy to maximise your sightseeing and time spent enjoying outdoor activities. However, much of the region is firmly on the beaten track, so you’re unlikely to find yourself the only one ticking off South Coast Iceland landmarks from your bucket list.

Off season, though you may need to be a little less ambitious about the distances you travel each day, fewer travellers mean you’ll have more breathing space at the busiest spots. As winter sets in, allow some flexibility within your schedule for unforeseen weather-related delays. The south of Iceland can experience strong winds and storms which can occasionally lead to road closures – even the ring road – though these usually pass quickly.

Nevertheless, if you find yourself in the region after a snowfall, the landscapes take on an almost ethereal beauty. Magic isn’t confined to daylight hours, as the Northern Lights can be spotted from late August through until April. Many of the South Coast’s natural wonders provide the ideal setting for aurora hunters, particularly Skógafoss waterfall, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.

What to bring with you on a South Iceland excursion?

Dress appropriately for the conditions, and the South Coast is a dream destination no matter when you come. What to wear will vary according to the weather; in general, we’d suggest you bring layers that can be added or taken off as needed. Be sure to factor in wind as well as rain when choosing suitable outerwear.

Crampons that pull on over your hiking boots to give you extra grip are invaluable if it’s icy; you can buy them in Reykjavik if you haven’t brought them from home. Note that if you’ve booked an outdoor activity such as a glacier hike, glacial lagoon boat or kayak trip, ATV tour or horse riding excursion, specialist gear such as helmets and overalls (where relevant) will be provided on the day. Detailed descriptions can be found on our website.

If you’ve booked a longer day trip along the south coast, the coach will stop regularly for comfort breaks and stops will be timed to ensure that there are opportunities to eat and grab a hot drink during the course of the day. Your guide will make suggestions about the best places to eat though of course you are also welcome to carry your own snacks and drinks.

If you’re hoping to tick off some of the best natural sights in South Iceland, then this roundup is a pretty good place to start. We offer a diverse range of tours to this part of the country, from outdoor activities that make the most of the area’s beaches and glaciers to more general sightseeing excursions that showcase the region’s incredible natural beauty. Carefully curated, guided tours enable you to maximise your sightseeing without feeling rushed; you’ll be amazed how much you’re able to fit into a single day. When you’re putting together an Iceland itinerary, be sure to include at least one South Coast tour and see for yourself what an extraordinary place it is.