Roadtrip south iceland must sees - besides golden circle
South Iceland is known for its natural beauty, with many popular attractions and landmarks such as waterfalls, geysers, and black sand beaches. Some of the most well-known attractions in South Iceland include the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls and the Reynisfjara black sand beach. The region is also home to the popular Golden Circle route, which is excluded from this article.
Seljalandsfoss
The first spot you’ll find it Seljalandsfoss. It is known for its unique feature, which allows visitors to walk behind the falls and view them from the inside. The falls are located near the main road.
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most popular waterfalls in Iceland, and it is often included on tours of the country.
Skógafoss
Next up the road is Skógafoss. Skógafoss is known for its impressive size and beauty, and is often visited by tourists who come to Iceland to see the country's many natural wonders. It is one of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in the country, with a drop of over 60 meters (197 feet) and a width of about 25 meters (82 feet).
The waterfall is located just minutes from the main road as well.
Right next to Skógafoss, you’ll find Kvernufoss as well. It’s a small walk to get to the other side of the waterfall.
Solheimasandur Plane Wreck
The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck is the remains of a US Navy Douglas Super DC-3 airplane that crashed on the black sand beach of Solheimasandur in South Iceland in 1973. The wreckage of the plane has been left on the beach, and it has become a popular attraction for tourists visiting the area.
The beach is located near the town of Vik, and it can be reached by a short hike (30 minutes) from the parking area.
Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey Viewpoint is next on the list. Dyrhólaey is a peninsula located in South Iceland. It is known for its natural beauty, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the nearby Reynisfjara black sand beach. The peninsula is a popular spot for birdwatching, as it is home to a large colony of puffins, as well as other seabirds.
Dyrhólaey is also home to a natural arch, which is a popular spot for photography. The area is accessible by car, and there is a parking area near the arch. Visitors can also walk along the cliffs to enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape.
Black Sand Beach Reynisfjara
Reynisfjara is a black sand beach and is known for its stunning views and its unique geological features, such as the Reynisdrangar sea stacks and the basalt columns that line the shore.
Despite its beauty, Reynisfjara is also known for its dangerous waves and strong currents, so visitors are advised to be cautious and stay away from the water's edge. It is also important to respect the local wildlife, as the beach is home to a colony of puffins and other seabirds.
Pitstop in Vík
The town of Vík will be the largest town you’ll cross for a while. Make your pitstop for groceries etc. here.
Gígjagjá
The Hjörleifshöfði hellir, which is a large, man-made cave that was carved out of the rock by early settlers. The headland is a popular spot for hiking and sightseeing, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Hjörleifshöfði is accessible by car, and there is a parking area near the trailhead.
Mossy Lava Fields
Mossy lava fields, also known as moss-covered lava fields, are a common feature of the landscape in Iceland. These fields are created when molten lava from a volcanic eruption cools and hardens, forming a rocky, barren landscape. Over time, moss and other plants can begin to grow on the lava, giving it a distinctive green color and a soft, spongy texture.
Mossy lava fields are a popular spot for hiking and sightseeing, and they offer a unique and striking contrast to the surrounding landscape.
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
Fjaðrárgljúfur is a canyon known for its stunning beauty and its unique geological features, such as its cliff walls and the Fjaðrá river that runs through it. The canyon is about 100 meters (328 feet) deep and 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long, and it is surrounded by a lush, verdant landscape.
The canyon is accessible by car, and there is a parking area near the trailhead.
Svínafellsjökull Glacier
Svínafellsjökull is a glacier located in the southeast of Iceland, near the town of Skaftafell. It is part of the larger Vatnajökull glacier, which is the largest glacier in Europe by volume.
You can park up close and walk up to the lake at the bottom of the glacier. If interested, visitors can explore the glacier with a local guide.
Fjallsárlón Glacier
Fjallsárlón glacier is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations and is known for its impressive size and the opportunities it offers for activities such as hiking and ice climbing.
Visitors to the area can take boat tours on the lagoon to get a closer look at the glacier and the icebergs that calve off into the water.
Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach is known for its black sand and large icebergs that have washed ashore.
The beach gets its name from the way the sunlight reflects off the ice, giving it a diamond-like appearance.
vestrahorn
Vestrahorn is the last location on the list for South Iceland. Vestrahorn is a mountain located in the southeast region of Iceland, near the town of Hofn. The mountain is part of the larger Stokksnes peninsula, which is known for its black sand beaches and views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.
At arrival, you have to pay for entrance to the area at the local “Viking Café”. This includes walking into the park. I’ve marked the Viking Café to navigate you.
That’s all! Enjoy your trip!
Cheers, Mike
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My name is Mike Tesselaar, in short MiTe. I’m a photographer from The Netherlands with a heart for traveling and adventuring.
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