South Iceland: a Guide to the Best Stops (FREE Guidebook!)

Trip planning is overwhelming, right?!

“What if I miss some big attraction to see?! How do I pick one hotel out of the thousands? Where should we go for the local fare?” Anyone else have these thoughts?

For example, I couldn’t wait to surprise him with his 30th birthday gift – a trip to Switzerland! So what did I do? Did I plan everything in advance and surprise him a plane ticket the night before. No, I handed him the plane ticket a month in advance and told him to get planning! (am I terrible? I’m terrible.)

However, I AM the kind person that loves to have things organized. So as soon as he had that itinerary planned, I got right to creating an organized list of where we needed to be when, hotel details, etc. Our honeymoon trip to Iceland? It’s in a perfectly organized binder with tabs separating our itinerary, maps, hotel info, rental car, etc. everything highlighted and planned down to the hour!

In summary: planning is hard, organization is fun!

 

Here are the best six places in South Iceland – with a FREE downloadable guidebook!

1. Seljalandsfoss

As you’re cruising down the Ring Road, you will be able to see Seljalandsfoss for miiiiles away. It sits at the end of a big cliff, and if you’re not used to seeing waterfalls, this will be an exciting sight from afar. Seljalandsfoss drops 60m down from a cliff. The best part about this waterfall is that you can walk behind it for a unique perspective! *NOTE: If you to do this during winter, it’s best to use crampons on your shoes – the spray from the waterfall makes the path extremely slippery.

2. Skogafoss

After Seljalandsfoss you will be in waterfall heaven, but keep heading down the road towards the town of Skogar. Skogafoss is simply breathtaking. There’s a legend that says the first Viking settler at Skógar stashed a chest of gold coins in a cave behind the waterfall. Don’t forget to hike up the wooden pathway for great views of the coast and the waterfall.

 

 

3. Dyrhólaey

Dyrhólaey is truly a unique sight. An arch like promontory jutting out into the ocean…this spot is definitely a must see! Bonus: this is a very popular spot to see puffins!

 

4. Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

I would say one of the things people want to see most in Iceland is the waterfalls and the black sand beach. Reynisfjara is where you do that. The famous basalt stacks stick out of the ocean and the Hálsanefshellir is such a famous sight, it is truly not to be missed.

 

5. Skaftafell National Park

Skaftafell is a beautiful part of Iceland, but the real gem that people come here for Svartifoss waterfall. Although it’s a hike (2 hours round trip) to get back to the falls, it’s worth it if you have time to spare.  The path is easily walkable. Skaftafell is a very popular place to camp.

6. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I absolutely think you should drive all the way to Jokulsarlon.  The icebergs floating in the lagoon is simply breathtaking. This is one of my favorite places in Iceland, no matter what the season! You can also take a boat tour which brings you closer to the glacier.

Don’t forget: Diamond/Crystal Beach

A short walk across the street brings you to a beach where some icebergs wash up on the black sand! This is another amazing sight, especially in the colder months when more of the ice chunks stay on shore.

 

And now…your South Iceland Guidebook!

What’s in this Guidebook you ask?

• Directions and travel time for each stop
• Where to go for the best photos
• Insider tips and practical info for traveling
• Interactive map

 

 

Happy planning, Team!

 

South Iceland Interactive Map

To make the map bigger click the bracket in the top right corner of the map.

 

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Question: Do you enjoy trip planning or do you look to other options to help you?

 

 

 

 

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