Things to do in Southern Region

Activities, attractions and tours

Southern Region
Gullfoss Waterfall which includes a river or creek, a gorge or canyon and mist or fog
Dyrholaey featuring a lighthouse and general coastal views
Black Beach showing rocky coastline
Gullfoss Waterfall which includes landscape views, a waterfall and mist or fog

Top places to visit

1. Skogafoss

Marvel at the impressive power of one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls. It has a width of 82 feet (25 meters) and plunges a distance of 200 feet (60 meters) from its peak. Listen to the savage roar of the water hitting the ground and catch some of its spray to keep cool on a warm day.
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Skogafoss showing a river or creek and a waterfall

2. Thingvellir National Park

Along the line of two tectonic plates, Thingvellir National Park features unforgettable natural formations. Its highlight is the otherworldly Lake Thingvallavatn into which hot lava runs, cooling to make a fertile environment. The area features major stories of Iceland’s past, where politics took hold 1,000 years ago. Trek through the intriguing vegetation of the terrain, which is covered by birch woodland.
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Thingvellir National Park which includes snow, mountains and general coastal views

3. Gullfoss

Witness the power of the water of River Hvita plunging into a deep crevice at Gullfoss Waterfall. As an integral part of Iceland’s Golden Circle route, the huge cascade is among the county’s most visited landmarks. Get a closer look at the various stages of this great waterfall.
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Gullfoss Waterfall which includes a gorge or canyon, landscape views and mist or fog

4. Geysir Hot Springs

Geysir Hot Springs is an apocalyptic site where mud bubbles and steam rise from vents in the ground. The historic site is the origin of the modern word “geyser.” It was among the first thermal features of its kind known to Europeans. Follow the Golden Circle route through southern Iceland to arrive at this naturally beautiful spot.
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Geysir Hot Springs which includes a hot spring

5. Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is a picturesque waterfall that seems to burst from the peak of a cliff. It stems from the River Seljalandsa and drops 200 feet (60 meters) to the ground. Its landing point was once the ocean, but natural land recovery has shifted the base several miles toward the present coast. Marvel at the tall, slim spout of water that rushes from its summit.
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Seljalandsfoss featuring a cascade

6. Black Beach

Black Beach is a rare and magnificent shore consisting of dark basalt sand. Walking along such a moody coastline is a remarkable experience, a stark contrast to traditional golden beaches. Apart from the color, the area is known for its pointed rocks jutting out from the sea and for being the wettest part of the country. Enjoy this unusual setting for a memorable vacation.
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Black Beach showing a sunset and mist or fog as well as a small group of people

What to do in Southern Region

Popular places to visit

Skogafoss showing a river or creek and a waterfall

Skogafoss

5/5(35 reviews)

Gaze up at the roaring waterfall that marks the point between the coastal highlands and the lowlands reclaimed from the sea.

Skogafoss
Thingvellir National Park which includes snow, mountains and general coastal views

Thingvellir National Park

4.5/5(624 reviews)

See rifts where the earth’s continents are moving apart, visit a lava-strewn lake and learn about the political beginnings of Iceland.

Thingvellir National Park
Gullfoss Waterfall which includes a gorge or canyon, landscape views and mist or fog

Gullfoss

5/5(16 reviews)

Part of a nature reserve, this waterfall crashing into a deep canyon is among the country’s most iconic features.

Gullfoss
Black Sand Beach

Black Sand Beach

5/5(27 reviews)

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Black Sand Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Vik I Myrdal. While you're here, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Black Sand Beach
Landmannalaugar

Landmannalaugar

4/5(1 review)

Explore the great outdoors at Landmannalaugar, a lovely green space in Rangárþing ytra. Discover the area's glaciers and hot springs.

Landmannalaugar
Geysir Hot Springs which includes a hot spring

Geysir Hot Springs

4.5/5(23 reviews)

Traverse this dramatic field of more than a dozen geysers and simmering mud pits resembling the end of the world.

Geysir Hot Springs
Seljalandsfoss featuring a cascade

Seljalandsfoss

5/5(18 reviews)

Creep into the extraordinary secret lair behind this cascade to see the ferocious carpet of water from every angle.

Seljalandsfoss
Black Beach showing a sunset and mist or fog as well as a small group of people

Black Beach

5/5(23 reviews)

Stroll along the black sand past jagged rock formations and cliffs in the wettest part of the country.

Black Beach
Kerid Crater

Kerid Crater

4/5(31 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Kerid Crater and enjoy the northern lights views during your trip to Selfoss. While in this relaxing area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Kerid Crater
Thingvellir National Park which includes tranquil scenes

Hveragerdi

Dyrholaey featuring rocky coastline as well as a large group of people

Vik I Myrdal