West Iceland Versus South Iceland: Which Region is Right For You?

Both West Iceland and South Iceland are worthy of your time; no matter which you settle on, you can’t go wrong. To help you pin down which best suits your travel style, interests and schedule, we’ve put together this helpful guide. In it you’ll find a comparison between the two regions and our picks for standout experiences in both as we showcase some of our most popular tours in the south and west.

West Iceland remains an under the radar gem, though as it falls under the spotlight during the August 2026 total eclipse – or rather is plunged into blackness – then that might be set to change. No matter which season they come, those who do find themselves in this relatively underrated region delight in its natural beauty and unspoilt landscapes.

Broadly speaking as far as tourism is concerned, you could loosely divide the region into two separate areas: the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and the inland driving route known as the Silver Circle. If you hope to combine the two, there’s easily enough to see to fill two or three days. Our West Iceland tours allow you to relax and enjoy the ride instead of having to concentrate on the road, which is a real plus amid such scenic surrounds.

Tours to Snæfellsnes typically make a pitstop at Borgarnes, the gateway to this incredible peninsula. From there, you can expect to head along the southern shore of the region, which is characterised by remarkable examples of wave erosion, such as the magnificent Gatklettur arch at Arnarstapi and the smooth lava pearl beach at Djúpalónssandur. Both are standout West Iceland highlights.

Wildlife is another draw, though sightings are never guaranteed. There’s a good chance you’ll see seals on the golden sands of Ytri Tunga beach and if you’re really lucky you may even see a lone Arctic fox skittering across the more remote parts of Snæfellsnes. But even if you don’t, the backdrop is out of this world, with glacier-topped Snæfellsjökull and Insta-favourite Kirkjufell perhaps the most impressive of all.

Inland, you get a sense of the geothermal and fluvial activity that shapes many areas of Iceland. Following the Silver Circle route on our super jeep tour, you can’t fail to be blown away by the power of Deildartunguhver hot spring. Its considerable flow means that it’s a key source of hot water for many Icelandic homes in areas such as Borgarnes and Akranes. Krauma, one of the country’s many geothermal baths, also relies on Deildartunguhver. It’s one of the most captivating things to do in West Iceland.

In comparison, the water that flows over the lava field to form Hraunfossar is tame, but this delightful waterfall is a must-see. In autumn, the golds and reds of the surrounding vegetation set off the charcoal grey of the rock and the blue of the water to make this a real head-turner. It’s only a short stroll to Barnafoss, so you’ll be able to visit that waterfall too, even if you don’t have a lot of time.

Having a super jeep as your mode of transport means you can access Langjökull. The name translates as Long Glacier and it is Iceland’s second biggest. Though you can see it in the distance from Golden Circle spots such as Gullfoss, we’d argue that nothing compares to seeing it close up. You can add on entrance to the manmade ice cave up here on the glacier if only to see what can be achieved with Icelandic ambition and determination.

Now let’s turn our attention to the south, one of the most popular regions of Iceland with overseas visitors. Working eastwards from Reykjavik, you’ll drop down the spectacular Hellisheiði pass near Hveragerði, where the flat coastal plain stretches in front of you as far as the eye can see. There’s an abundance of memorable things to do in South Iceland, which accounts for its enduring appeal.

Must-sees on this route include two breathtaking waterfalls, each with a hidden gem neighbour. Seljalandsfoss is famous for having a path that leads behind its curtain of water, giving you a unique perspective on the surrounding countryside. Nearby, Gljúfrabúi is tucked out of the way within a cleft in the rock but is a jaw-dropping sight, whether you peer in or wade through the water to stand under it.

It’s just a twenty minute drive to reach Skógafoss, another powerful waterfall, this time with a set of steps running up its eastern flank. We make sure that our tours, such as the South Coast Wonders excursion, stop there long enough for you to view the falls from the bottom and the top, as each will have you reaching for your camera.

One of the more unusual attractions on the south coast route is a wrecked plane that has been slowly weathering where it came down. It’s now little more than an empty shell, but the photogenic nature of the fuselage coupled with the unusual backstory (the plane came down in bad weather but everyone survived) makes this an intriguing destination for visitors. We operate a convenient shuttle to and from the site so that you don’t have to hike.

Next up just short of Vik, a cute little village with a hilltop church, you’ll want to call in at Reynisfjara beach. This swath of black volcanic sand is backed by a huge cave formed of basalt columns and offshore, you’ll get an unimpeded view of some craggy sea stacks. But this beach, though beautiful, is also deadly – so heed the warning signs and never turn your back on the sneaker waves which can sweep in without warning and with enough force to knock you off your feet.

Vik itself is an adventure hub, the jumping off point for tours to the Katla ice cave, which unusually can be visited year-round. You’ll be ferried up to the edge of the glacier by super jeep – an adventure in itself – before strapping on crampons to hike the last stretch to the ice. Ever changing, it’s one of the most extraordinary sights in the country.

Some of our longer south coast sightseeing tours continue further east and if you have the time we’d recommend you do this. The main focus is the glittering icebergs and imposing glacier that makes Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon such a mesmerising place. In the warmer months you can take a boat trip out on the lagoon to get a closer look at the chunks of ice and, often, the seals that playfully haul out of the water.

If you walk under the ring road here, the path leads to somewhere equally special: a stretch of coastline that tourists dub Diamond Beach (the locals call it Breiðamerkursandur or Fellsfjara). This place is a stunner at any time of year as the waves break over icebergs that have been washed back onto the shore, but bathed in winter’s soft light or at sunrise or sunset it is especially magical. No surprise that it’s an undisputed south coast highlight.

To try to pick the day tour that best suits your interests, try to drill down into what really makes you happy. If you’ve come to Iceland to be blown away by its iconic waterfalls and glacier views, then the south of the country has the edge over its western counterpart in this respect.

You’ll still see beautiful waterfalls in West Iceland, such as pretty Barnafoss and Hraunfossar, but it is hard to beat the wow factor that comes with the setting of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Likewise the glacier capped Snæfellsjökull is magnificent but can’t compare with the scale of Vatnajökull and to a lesser extent Mýrdalsjökull.

However, with such jaw-dropping scenery comes a price, particularly in summer, as the south coast can get very busy. It doesn’t have to be a deal breaker, so long as you manage your expectations. However, if you’d prefer to devote your attention to a region which offers fewer crowds and a more offbeat experience, then West Iceland ticks a lot of boxes.

It’s easy to get to either West Iceland or South Iceland, whether you’re on one of our tours or if you’ve chosen to drive yourself. To reach either from Reykjavik, you’ll pick up Route 1 on the edge of the city. This is Iceland’s famous ring road. Follow it clockwise to venture into West Iceland or anti-clockwise to start exploring South Iceland. Within an hour or so, you’ll begin your adventure in these exciting regions.

During a typical Icelandic summer, you’ll have no issues accessing either region. In fact, the long hours of daylight make it possible for our tours as far east as Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon to leave and return in daylight. Similarly, at this time of year there’ll be no darkness during our twelve hour Wonders of Snæfellsnes tour.

These, and the majority of our other tours to the south and west of the country, operate year-round. Occasionally, Icelandic roads are temporarily closed because of inclement weather – even the ring road. This situation tends not to last very long as the storms usually quickly blow through, but it’s sensible to build a little flexibility into your plans if you’re coming to Iceland in winter.

If you’re keen to venture inland to the southern highlands, know that outside the summer season it’s not possible to access the country’s F-roads as they shut. However, there’s a useful workaround as we offer a thrilling super jeep tour of Þórsmörk, giving you the opportunity to experience this incredible part of South Iceland in its winter coat. Shrouded in ice and snow, it’s every bit as spectacular.

If, having read this article, you’re still finding it hard to choose between South and West Iceland, then there’s a simple solution: add an extra day to your trip and do both. In fact, we’d even go as far as to suggest that you could spend several days in each region. Let’s take a brief look at how that might work as we suggest some of the activities that can pad out a briefer sightseeing itinerary.

West Iceland

With a week at your disposal, you’ll definitely want to get acquainted with the magical Snæfellsnes Peninsula. If you’re fit enough and up for a challenge, why not augment your sightseeing with a guided summit hike up to the top of Snæfellsjökull. The views from the top are out of this world.

For something a little tamer, but just as memorable, join our Silver Circle sightseeing tour which takes you inland, or experience a unique manmade ice cave with a visit to Langjökull, Iceland’s second largest glacier. Tap into Iceland’s geothermal energy with a restorative soak at Hvammsvik Hot Spring, positioned at the head of Hvalfjörður amid a striking landscape.

South Iceland

As with West Iceland, there are myriad possibilities for travellers who have a little more time to play with. Of course, you’ll still want to sign up for one of our South Coast Iceland tours and see the sights that mark this as one of the most extraordinary parts of Europe: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, notorious Reynisfjara beach and the dazzling icebergs that litter Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and nearby Diamond Beach.

With those extra days, however, you can slot in a plethora of additional stop-offs. Activities such as an adrenaline-fuelled ATV ride across a broad swath of black sand to the Sólheimasandur plane wreck are popular for good reason. For those seeking a more serene pursuit, we’d recommend a kayaking trip out onto the lagoon at Sólheimajökull. The chance to hike on a glacier or venture into an ice cave is another must-do.

When comparing West Iceland versus South Iceland, which region is right for you? That’s your call; we’d back either, or both. Whether you plump for a thrilling tour of the south coast or focus your attention on the wild and wonderful west, booking one of Icelandia’s carefully curated tours means you can be confident that you won’t miss any of the highlights. Which region to choose on your Iceland trip is up to you – and remember if you can’t do everything the first time, you can always return for another holiday and get to know these captivating parts of the country in more depth.