South Iceland

The South Iceland region is an important tourist area with various interesting tourist attractions.

It stretches from Þingvellir National Park 40 km east of Reykjavík and the Golden Circle to the south coast, which ends at Vík in Mýrdalur. In the east, it includes parts of the huge Vatnajökull glacier.

South Iceland - a region of volcanoes and glaciers
Geographically, South Iceland is located on the Eurasian continental plate, but there is also a tectonic fissure (a so-called rift) through the middle of the region, which is partly responsible for the many volcanoes and geysers there. Strictly speaking, however, the entire island is of oceanic origin, that is, the entire land was once on the ocean floor and was lifted upwards over millions of years by the plate shift and volcanism. Like almost everywhere in Iceland, hot and cold meet here: many hot springs and volcanoes in the centre of a region that is framed by large glaciers.

Because of this unique topography, South Iceland is not only an important contact point for geologists: as a popular travel destination, the area also benefits from tourism, which is why there is a particularly wide range of comfortable holiday homes and guided excursions here. If you want to spend a nice time as a couple or with the family in a unique environment with many tourist sights and, in the evening, sit in the cosy hot tub and look at majestic volcanoes and glaciers, you are definitely in the right place.

Sights in South Iceland
South Iceland is home to some of the island's greatest natural wonders, as well as some important historical places where Iceland's history has been shaped, such as the Alþingi, one of the oldest parliaments in the world. Magnificent waterfalls, geysers and coastlines with steep cliffs and beaches of black sand characterize the landscape.

The large national park of Iceland with the Alþingi
The national park is best known for the Alþingi, the site of the first National Parliament of Iceland, which was established there in 930 and gathered there until 1800. The spectacular nature of the park invites you to long and short hikes and the area is geologically interesting, as the tectonic plates meet here and the continental drift between the North American and Eurasian Plates can be clearly seen.

The Gullfoss waterfall
Gullfoss - the golden waterfall - and the erupting geyser - called Strokkur - are the most famous highlights of the south. Natural wonders that you don't want to miss. The waterfall descends in two steps 11 m and then 21 m into the Gullfossgljúfur gorge with its 70 m high walls on each side. Geysir is a famous hot spring located in the geothermal area of ​​the Haukadalur Valley in southwest Iceland.

Other famous Iceland waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss
On the way to the southernmost part of Iceland, you will find more impressive waterfalls. For example, take a short hike behind the Seljalandsfoss and climb the main stairs to the impressive 60-meter high Skógafoss waterfall. you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view along the south coast.

You can visit the black sandy beach around Vík in Mýrdalur, the southernmost village in Iceland with around 300 inhabitants. Please note that the beach is not suitable for swimming. Visitors are asked to keep a safe distance from the water. Sneaker waves and dangerous currents can pose a lethal risk. The huge basalt stacks and rock formations of Reynisdrangar will amaze you and the breathtaking views of the ocean will be worth it.

Best travel time for South Iceland
The south of Iceland has milder temperatures than the north and east, this applies to both upward and downward rashes: in summer it is more mild than warm, in winter it is not that cold, at least on the Icelandic south coast. The main travel season for Iceland could be considered the best time to travel: midsummer. But that's not the whole truth ...

Our insider tip for the best time to travel to South Iceland: late summer or early autumn. Why? Quite simply: low season! At this time, fewer tourists come to Iceland, so you have more time to enjoy all the natural wonders in peace and at the same time you can experience the transition from summer to autumn - with still mild temperatures with already brightly coloured leaves, which sometimes even are slightly covered with snow. A unique picture!

Travel reports on holiday home trips in South Iceland
As the oldest professional holiday home agency in Iceland, we have been arranging private holiday homes for cosy holidays on the island since 2002. Some of our customers have left us insightful travel reports about their stay in Iceland. Here is a selection from reports and reviews of our holiday homes in South Iceland:

» Our two boys loved the trampoline and the hot pot in the house «
Sandy & family from France

» The house is cosy and the view is great «
Jacqueline & family from the Netherlands

» It was just perfect for us «
Gina & Freund from Germany

Climate & weather in South Iceland - average temperatures and rainfall per month
The temperatures in Iceland are very low until April, as the sun only shines for about 4 hours a day in deep winter. In summer, however, there are mild temperatures around 10 degrees and above. Most of the rain comes in autumn and winter, which further reduces the number of sunny days - with a few sunny outliers upwards: February can also bring a lot of sun at times.