10 experiences you must have in South Iceland

The southern part of Iceland is the most popular area of the country thanks to its world-renowned attractions.

Travellers visit the south to make all their Icelandic dreams come true. Here you can go horseback riding in pristine rural lands, explore deep, icy and mysterious caves, and dive into the Silfra Fissure of the tectonic plates, in the National Park in Southwest Iceland.

In South Iceland you will enjoy amazing fairy-tale landscapes with impressive waterfalls, tremendous glaciers, and atmospheric black sand beaches.

From magical waterfalls to the unique Diamond Beach and Europe's largest glaciers, South Iceland will offer you unique experiences!

1. Explore the Golden Circle

Iceland map, Golden Circle

The Golden Circle is a very popular route of approximately 300 km that offers travellers a brief tour of some of Iceland's most popular attractions.

The most characteristic sights you will see along the route are Þingvellir National Park where Iceland's first national Parliament convened. Þingvellir National Park also hosts the Silfra Fissure where you can snorkel in the icy waters.

The Haukadalur valley is also within the Golden Circle with some of the most popular attractions in Iceland. It is a geothermal area home to the Strokkur geyser which shoots hot water up to 30 metres high every 10 minutes.

There you will also find the thundering Gullfoss waterfall where the Hvítá river plunges into a deep crevice.

2. Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

When the sunlight strikes the canyon, the lush green cliffs, deep valleys, and the Fjaðrá river flowing through the gorge are illuminated in the best possible way, creating a unique landscape.

Hikers can cross the cliffs and descend to the river or walk above the canyon on the specially designed path. From there you will enjoy the panoramic views that unfold before you and take amazing photographs.

 

3. Dverghamrar, the Dwarf Rocks

This strange yet beautiful rock formation has given rise to many stories about dwarves, elves, and giants in Icelandic folklore.

The stories say that these massive hexagonal columns were built by dwarves to use as their dwellings.

Of course, geologists propose something very different regarding the formation of the rocks. According to scientists, the rocks were formed by tidal movement and are nothing more than frozen lava from the Ice Age.

4. The village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Beyond potentially winning a prize for the most unusual name in Iceland, this village with only 150 permanent residents is a very popular destination in Iceland, due to its location which serves as a crossroads for several sites.

Discover the twin waterfall Systrafoss which empties into Systravatn lake, where nuns once bathed.

5. Skaftafell National Park

A desolate place for some and an oasis for others – the national park is an area offering unique landscapes, favourable weather conditions, and a wide variety of hiking trails.

Small paths lead visitors on an easy route to Svartifoss, the black waterfall, one of Iceland's most famous attractions.

Then you can head towards Skaftafellsjökull, the most famous glacier in the country.

The Kristínartindar mountain range is located there, while Hvannadalshnjúkur is the highest mountain in Iceland.

6. Svartifoss – the black waterfall

The spectacular Svartifoss waterfall drops from a height of 12 metres.

Its distinguishing feature is the black basalt rocks that surround it.

This waterfall is also the most important attraction that draws more and more tourists to Skaftafell Park every year.

Theoretically, this waterfall offers nothing more than others in Iceland; nevertheless, its landscape provides a different sensation and a touch of romance.

Walk the 90-minute trail to the top where the waterfall powerfully descends, enjoy the unique scenery and breathe fresh air.

 

7. Hiking on Svínafellsjökull glacier

For many visitors, a trip to Iceland is not complete without seeing Europe's largest glacier up close.

Svínafellsjökull is just one section of the monumental Vatnajökull glacier that stretches across the lush Skaftafell area.

Guided hikes are organised from March to December and include easy routes along ridges and into ice caves.

8. The Crystal Cave

If walking on ice isn't enough for you and you want to see what lies beneath, then you can book a tour of an ice cave.

Iceland has many caves for you to explore. The most famous of these is the majestic Crystal Cave, hidden within the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier.

The largest ice cave within Vatnajökull National Park was formed as a result of the glacier hitting the Icelandic coastline. The interior of the cave is unique, reminiscent of a fairy tale. There are many different ice textures and at least 50 shades of blue. You have to see it up close to believe that this place is real!

9. Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach.

 

If you want to see a beach that sparkles like diamonds, the southeastern part of Iceland will make your dreams come true. Jökulsárlón is a triumph of Mother Nature!

The icy lagoon, Iceland's deepest natural lake, is broken only by fish, seals, and glistening pieces of ice. Head to the coast to see more ice fragments scattered across the black sand beach.

The ice on the beach has somehow been polished by the tide, creating the impression that the beach is full of diamonds sparkling under the bright sun.

• Climbing Eyjafjallajökull volcano

Iceland's most famous volcano made its presence known to the world when it erupted in 2010, creating a large volcanic cloud that led to a flight ban across much of Europe.

Nevertheless, the journey to its summit at an altitude of approximately 1700 metres is one of the most beautiful hiking routes in Iceland. It is an unforgettable experience for many hikers as it offers unique views of the country's coastline and the rocky Vestmannaeyjar islands.

If you're not a fan of hiking, you can take a short snowmobile tour on the icy foothills and admire the effects the volcano's eruption had on the landscape.

When to visit South Iceland

Iceland has four distinct seasons, but its climate is known to be changeable. Consequently, there is no "perfect time" to travel to Iceland. What you want to do during your trip is what will help you choose the season.

If you want to enjoy adventure, participate in many activities, and have a chance to admire the Northern Lights, then you should visit Iceland in winter.

Plan your trip for April or May if you want to make the most of spring and the golfing season, experience the start of fishing, and watch whales. This is the best time to drive around the Golden Circle and enjoy the country's lush National Parks.

A trip during the summer months is ideal for exploring the countryside and experiencing the sunlight that shines for almost 24 hours a day.

Alternatively, in autumn, the weather becomes cool, but the cultural calendar is packed. Some of Iceland's most famous festivals (film, music, and arts) take place at this time.

Flights to Iceland

To get to Iceland and Reykjavik from Athens, you will need to book Aegean flights with a stopover in Frankfurt.

The flight is operated in cooperation with Lufthansa – a Star Alliance member – which means you can earn a good number of miles for this trip.

The cost of air tickets starts from 500€, depending on the season and demand.

The earlier you book your flights, the better prices you will get!

If you want to travel to Iceland from Thessaloniki, then the best option is to book Easyjet flights to London and from there travel with Iceland Air to Reykjavik where there are daily flights!

The cost of tickets is lower and if you book 3-4 months in advance, you can find prices as low as 200€ per person for the entire trip!