Introduction
The Southern Region (Suðurland) stretches from the Golden Circle area east along the coast to the glacier lagoons — it contains the highest concentration of Iceland's most visited natural landmarks. Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Reynisfjara black sand beach, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and Diamond Beach all sit within this region, along with Vatnajökull (Europe's largest glacier by volume) and the highland valleys of Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar. For many visitors, the south coast IS Iceland — a single day's drive that delivers more landscape drama per kilometre than anywhere else in the country.
Overview
The south coast is Iceland's most-travelled corridor outside Reykjavik. Route 1 from Selfoss to Höfn passes through landscapes that shift from agricultural lowlands (Icelandic horses grazing beneath Eyjafjallajökull) to glacier-capped volcanoes, black sand beaches, and iceberg lagoons in a single day's drive. The Golden Circle (Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss) sits in the western part of the region and is the most popular day trip in Iceland — Þingvellir alone combines a UNESCO World Heritage site, the rift between tectonic plates, and the founding site of the world's oldest parliament in one location. Continuing east along the coast: Seljalandsfoss (walk behind the waterfall) and Skógafoss (60-metre drop, staircase to the top) are the two headline waterfalls. Reynisfjara's hexagonal basalt columns and roaring Atlantic surf make it the most dramatic beach in the country — and the most dangerous, with sneaker waves that have killed tourists who stood too close. Vík í Mýrdal (population 300) is the southernmost village. Beyond Vík the road crosses vast lava-and-sand outwash plains (sandur) beneath the glaciers, passing Skaftafell (hiking trails in Vatnajökull National Park, Svartifoss basalt waterfall) before reaching Jökulsárlón — where icebergs calve from Breiðamerkurjökull and drift into a lagoon that feeds them onto Diamond Beach as transparent chunks on black sand. In winter (November-March), ice caves inside Vatnajökull reveal chambers of layered blue. The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar), reached by ferry from Landeyjahöfn, add puffin colonies (the world's largest Atlantic puffin population) and living volcanic history — Eldfell erupted in 1973 and buried a third of the town. The Laugavegur trail, Iceland's most famous multi-day trek, connects Landmannalaugar's colourful rhyolite mountains with Þórsmörk over 55 km in 4 days through some of the most varied highland scenery on Earth.
Ways to Experience This Destination
Þingvellir (walk between tectonic plates, UNESCO, site of the Althing parliament since 930 AD), Geysir (Strokkur erupts every 5-10 minutes), and Gullfoss (two-tier canyon waterfall). A 300 km loop from Reykjavik, doable in a day. Add the Secret Lagoon at Flúðir or Kerið volcanic crater lake as extensions.
Seljalandsfoss (walk behind the curtain), Skógafoss (60 m, staircase to top), Kvernufoss (hidden neighbour of Skógafoss), and Reynisfjara (basalt columns, black sand, dangerous waves — never turn your back to the sea). The stretch from Selfoss to Vík is Iceland's greatest-hits corridor.
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach are the south coast's crown jewels. Vatnajökull glacier walks depart from Skaftafell and Sólheimajökull. Ice caves inside Vatnajökull (November-March only, guided tours mandatory) reveal electric-blue interiors. Snowmobile tours run on Mýrdalsjökull year-round.
The Laugavegur trail (Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, 55 km, 4 days) crosses rhyolite mountains, obsidian deserts, river fords, and lush valleys — Iceland's most famous trek. The Fimmvörðuháls extension adds a day crossing the pass between Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull with views of the 2010 eruption craters. Hut booking essential (opens March for summer season).
A 30-minute ferry from Landeyjahöfn reaches Heimaey, the only inhabited island. The world's largest Atlantic puffin colony nests here (May-August). Eldfell volcano erupted in 1973 and the Eldheimar museum preserves houses buried under ash. The island also hosts the annual Þjóðhátíð festival (August bank holiday weekend) — Iceland's biggest outdoor gathering.
Southern Region Travel Notes
- Reynisfjara: NEVER turn your back to the sea. Sneaker waves surge up the beach without warning and have killed visitors. Stay well back from the waterline, especially in winter.
- The south coast can be driven as a day trip from Reykjavik to Vík and back (340 km round trip), but an overnight in Vík or Höfn allows the full experience including Jökulsárlón.
- Ice caves are seasonal (November-March) and weather-dependent. Book guided tours in advance — caves can close without notice due to melting or flooding.
- The Laugavegur trail huts (operated by FÍ — Ferðafélag Íslands) sell out quickly. Book as soon as reservations open (usually March). Camping is allowed at hut sites.
- Sandstorms on the south coast outwash plains (between Vík and Skaftafell) can damage car paint and sandblast windshields. Check road.is for conditions before driving this stretch.
- Selfoss is the main service town — supermarkets (Bónus, Krónan), fuel, and a good base for the Golden Circle. Vík has limited services but growing accommodation.
- Ferry to Vestmannaeyjar from Landeyjahöfn takes 30 minutes but operates weather-dependent. In rough seas, the ferry departs from Þorlákshöfn instead (3 hours). Check schedule.
Cities in Southern Region
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