12 Amazing Places to See in South Iceland
When I visited Iceland with my partner, we didn’t have a ton of time — and since we were traveling in winter, the short days made things even trickier.
So instead of trying to rush through the whole island, we decided to slow down and focus just on South Iceland. And honestly? That was the best decision we could’ve made.
South Iceland has so much to offer, even if you’re on a tight schedule. You’ll find iconic waterfalls, black sand beaches, cute little towns, hot springs, and some of the most dramatic landscapes I’ve ever seen — all packed into a region that’s easy to explore without spending hours in the car.
In this post, I’ve put together all the amazing places we managed to visit during our time in South Iceland.
It’s not a complete list of everything there is to see, but it’s full of highlights that we loved and would recommend to anyone planning a trip — especially if you’re short on time like we were.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)
1. Gullfoss
Gullfoss — also known as the “Golden Falls” — is one of Iceland’s most stunning waterfalls, and honestly, it belongs on every South Iceland itinerary, no matter if you’re there for three days or an entire week.
You’ll find it in southwest Iceland, right along the popular Golden Circle Route, where the Hvítá River crashes dramatically into a deep canyon over two tiers.
What makes Gullfoss so special is its sheer force and unique shape. In late spring and early summer, when the meltwater is at its peak, more than 100 cubic meters of water thunder down every second, making it not just Iceland’s most powerful waterfall, but also one of the most impressive in all of Europe.
There are no entrance or parking fees at Gullfoss, and it’s open 24/7 for viewing. However, the visitor center, restaurant, and shop have specific opening hours.
Check out: 8 Stunning Waterfalls to See in South Iceland
2. Thingvellir Nationalpark
Another place not to miss in South Iceland that is also part of the Golden Circle Route is Thingvellir Nationalpark. It’s a spot where nature, history, and geology all come together in a pretty unique way.
Thingvellir is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates drift apart, creating dramatic cliffs and cracks you can actually walk between. One of the most famous of these is Silfra — a crystal-clear fissure where you can even snorkel or dive.
It’s also home to Iceland’s first parliament, the Althingi, which was founded here back in 930 AD — making it one of the oldest in the world.
You can easily spend a few hours walking around the trails, visiting the Öxarárfoss waterfall, and stopping at the various viewpoints.
Thingvellir National Park is open year-round. The park itself has no closing hours, so you can visit at any time of day or night. However, some facilities within the park, such as the visitor center and restrooms, do have set hours.
Check out: A Complete Guide to Visiting Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
3. Kerið Crater
Kerið Crater is a volcanic lake along the Golden Circle Route, famous for its vivid bluish-green water.
During spring and summer, the bright red volcanic rocks around it are complemented by rich greenery, making it a fantastic spot for photography.
You can walk along the crater’s edge to enjoy different perspectives or take a clear path down to the lake itself. In winter, the lake transforms as it freezes over, becoming a popular spot for ice skating.
There is a small entrance fee to visit Kerið and free parking on-site.
Check out: Iceland’s Golden Circle Route – The Ultimate Guide
4. Geysir Geothermal Area
The Geysir Geothermal Area is another highlight along the Golden Circle Route in South Iceland and home to the lively Strokkur geyser, which shoots boiling water up to 15 meters into the air every few minutes.
Watching it erupt is exciting — everyone goes quiet for a moment, then there’s laughter and a few surprised gasps.
While the original Geysir is mostly dormant these days, the whole area is still bubbling with geothermal activity. Just make sure to stay on the marked paths — the ground is hot, and the steam vents can be dangerous.
There’s a large parking lot nearby, and the geysers are just a short walk from there.
Check out: Iceland’s Golden Circle Route – The Ultimate Guide
5. Faxafoss
Faxafoss might not be as famous as other waterfalls in South Iceland, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s a quieter, more peaceful waterfall – and chances are, you won’t have to share it with a crowd.
Spanning across the Tungufljót River for 90 meters (300 feet) with a modest height of 7 meters (23 feet), it is relatively small compared to other waterfalls.
There’s a small parking lot nearby, and it only costs ISK 700 (around $5). From there, it’s a quick and easy walk to the viewpoint, with a path that even takes you down closer to the river.
Just be careful if there’s snow or ice — it can get a bit slippery.
6. Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is one of South Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls — and for good reason. It’s the one you can walk behind, which makes it a must-see no matter the season.
It’s located just off the Ring Road, about an hour from either Hveragerði or Vík, so it’s super easy to add to your itinerary. In summer, the waterfall is surrounded by vibrant green cliffs, while in winter, it turns into a frozen wonderland with magical ice formations.
You won’t need more than an hour here, but give yourself a bit of extra time — there’s another beautiful waterfall just a short walk away (more on that next!).
There’s also a little café and shop right by the parking area if you need a quick coffee or snack.
Parking costs ISK 800 (around $6) and gives you access to both waterfalls.
Check out: 8 Stunning Waterfalls to See in South Iceland
7. Gljúfrabúi
Just a few minutes’ walk from Seljalandsfoss, you’ll find Gljúfrabúi — often called the “hidden waterfall”. Unlike its famous neighbor, this one is tucked inside a narrow canyon, which makes it feel like a secret spot straight out of a fairytale.
To see it up close, you’ll need to wade through a shallow stream and step carefully over a few rocks — so waterproof shoes are a must. In winter, the path can get super icy, so crampons are a good idea too.
It’s a short detour but totally worth it. Because it’s a bit more adventurous to reach, Gljúfrabúi is often less crowded and gives you a much more peaceful experience.
8. Vík
Vík is the southernmost village in Iceland and a great little base or stopover when exploring South Iceland.
It’s located right along the Ring Road, about 2.5 hours from Reykjavík, and surrounded by some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country.
One of the prettiest spots in town is the red-roofed church that sits on a hill above the village. From up there, you’ll get stunning views over the coastline and cliffs, especially beautiful at sunset (which I totally recommend!) or in winter when everything’s covered in snow.
Vík is also home to a couple of cozy cafés, a gas station, a grocery store, and a few local shops — as well as the Vikurfjara Black Sand Beach.
9. Reynisfjara Beach
Reynisfjara is hands down one of the most famous black sand beaches in Iceland — and once you see it, you’ll understand why.
Located just a short drive from Vík, it’s known for its striking basalt columns, powerful waves, and the dramatic Reynisdrangar sea stacks rising out of the ocean.
The contrast of the black sand against the crashing white waves and dark cliffs is seriously breathtaking. A visit is especially magical during sunset, when the light adds a golden glow to the whole scene.
Just be aware: the waves at Reynisfjara can suddenly surge much farther up the beach than you’d expect. So enjoy the view, but make sure to stay back from the water.
10. Dyrhólaey
Dyrhólaey is a small peninsula near Vík that offers amazing views of the south coast of Iceland. From its high cliffs, you can see black sand beaches, big waves, and tall rock formations in the ocean.
The name Dyrhólaey means “door hill island”, thanks to the huge natural stone arch that stands here. It’s a fantastic spot for photos, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light adds a warm glow to the landscape.
In spring and early summer, the cliffs become home to thousands of puffins, making it a popular place for birdwatching.
You can easily reach Dyrhólaey by car and then take a short walk to the viewpoint. Just be prepared for strong winds and chilly weather — dress warmly and be careful near the cliff edges.
11. Skógafoss
Skógafoss is one of the most famous and powerful waterfalls in South Iceland — and it’s seriously impressive up close.
Located right along the Ring Road between Seljalandsfoss and Vík, it drops about 60 meters straight down from a dramatic cliff edge.
You can admire it from below, where the sheer force of the water is most striking, or climb the staircase next to the falls for a sweeping view from the top. Just be warned: in winter, the area around the waterfall can be incredibly icy.
Parking is completely free, and it’s just a short walk from the lot to the base of the waterfall.
Check out: 8 Stunning Waterfalls to See in South Iceland
12. Hveragerði
Hveragerði is a small town about 45 minutes from Reykjavík — and it’s where we based ourselves at Inni Boutique Apartments for exploring all the amazing spots in South Iceland mentioned in this post.
The town is known for its geothermal activity — you’ll see steam rising from the ground all around.
One of the coolest things to do here is hike to the Reykjadalur Hot Spring River, where you can take a warm dip in a natural hot stream after a scenic hike through the hills.
There’s also a small geothermal park in town, a few cute cafés and restaurants, and even greenhouses heated by hot springs. It’s a quiet, relaxed place to stay, but with everything you need close by.
Map of All The Must-See Places in South Iceland
Check out:
Inni Boutique Apartments – Your Cozy Home in Hveragerdi
Iceland’s Golden Circle Route – The Ultimate Guide
A Complete Guide to Visiting Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
8 Stunning Waterfalls to See in South Iceland
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