Suðurland

Suðurland, or South Iceland, is the country's most visited region outside the capital, and for good reason: it concentrates an extraordinary density of Iceland's most iconic natural wonders into a relatively compact stretch of coastline and highlands. From the thundering waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss to the glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón, from the rift valley of Þingvellir to the rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar, the region offers a greatest-hits tour of Icelandic geology and landscape.

The western part of South Iceland is Iceland's agricultural heartland — a fertile lowland of dairy farms, horse studs, and green meadows watered by glacial rivers. This is also where the Golden Circle route takes in Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall, making it the most popular day-trip from Reykjavík. The east transitions into a wilder landscape dominated by Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier, and the vast sandur outwash plains created by its meltwaters.

The southern coastline itself is remarkable — an almost unbroken stretch of black sand beaches open to the North Atlantic, with no natural harbours. Inland, the highlands around Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk offer some of Iceland's finest hiking terrain. Suðurland is where medieval Icelandic sagas were set, where the Alþingi was founded in 930, and where Iceland declared its independence in 1944.

Summer (June–August) is the primary season, with the longest days, warmest temperatures (10–15°C), and all roads and services open. July is peak for hiking the Laugavegur trail and visiting Þórsmörk and Landmannalaugar. The Vestmannaeyjar puffin colonies are best visited June–August.

The Golden Circle can be visited year-round, though winter conditions (November–March) bring icy roads and shorter days. Winter is excellent for northern lights, particularly around Flúðir and the darker areas inland. Some highland roads (F-roads to Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk) only open in late June or early July.

Key events include Þjóðhátíð in Vestmannaeyjar (August), one of Iceland's largest outdoor festivals, with music, bonfires, and fireworks on Heimaey island. The Colour Run and various agricultural shows occur across the western south during summer.

Route 1 (the Ring Road) is the backbone of South Iceland, running from Selfoss in the west through Hella, Hvolsvöllur, Vík, and Kirkjubæjarklaustur to the edge of Vatnajökull. Distances are significant — Selfoss to Vík is about 180 km (2.5 hours), and Vík to Kirkjubæjarklaustur another 70 km. A car gives the most flexibility and is strongly recommended.

Strætó bus 51 connects Reykjavík (Mjódd bus station) to Selfoss, and daily buses run the full length of the southern Ring Road in summer, operated by Sterna Travel and Reykjavík Excursions. The Vestmannaeyjar ferry (Herjólfur) runs from Landeyjahöfn (or Þorlákshöfn in bad weather) to Heimaey.

There is no rail service. Highland roads to Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk require a 4WD and are only open in summer, with river crossings on the Þórsmörk route.

• Selfoss — the largest town in South Iceland, a commercial hub and gateway to the Golden Circle and southern coast.
• Hveragerði — a geothermal town less than an hour from Reykjavík, known for its hot springs, greenhouses, and the trail to the Reykjadalur hot river.
• Vík í Mýrdal — a coastal village famous for its black sand beach (Reynisfjara), basalt columns, and puffin nesting cliffs.
• Hella — a small town in the agricultural heartland, base for river rafting and highland excursions.
• Hvolsvöllur — a farming village near the Saga Centre and gateway to Þórsmörk.
• Kirkjubæjarklaustur — a remote village in the eastern south, base for exploring Skaftafell and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon.
• Stokkseyri — a quiet coastal village with a ghost centre and traditional turf houses.
• Eyrarbakki — a beautifully preserved old fishing village on the south coast with a maritime museum.
• Þorlákshöfn — a small harbour town, departure point for the Vestmannaeyjar ferry and known for surfing on its coastal waves.
• Flúðir — a geothermal village home to the Secret Lagoon, one of Iceland's oldest natural hot pools.
• Laugarvatn — a lakeside village with a geothermal beach and Fontana steam baths.
• Vestmannaeyjar — an archipelago off the south coast, famous for the 1973 Heimaey eruption and massive Atlantic puffin colonies.
• Reykholt — a small settlement near the Golden Circle route, with geothermal greenhouses and hot springs.
• Skógar — a tiny village home to the mighty Skógafoss waterfall and one of Iceland's finest folk museums.
• Þingvellir National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage site where the Alþingi was founded in 930, set in a dramatic rift valley between tectonic plates.

South Iceland's cuisine reflects its agricultural abundance. The western region is Iceland's dairy heartland, producing much of the country's milk, butter, and skyr. Farm shops and roadside stalls sell fresh dairy products and lamb direct from producers. The farm Þorvaldseyri near Eyjafjallajökull is notable as the only place in Iceland where wheat is grown.

Arctic char from rivers near Kirkjubæjarklaustur is a regional delicacy, served smoked or pan-fried at local restaurants. Vík and Selfoss have the widest range of dining options, from fish and chips to farm-to-table restaurants. The Friðheimar greenhouse restaurant near Reykholt serves tomato-based dishes grown on-site in geothermally heated greenhouses — a unique Icelandic dining experience.

Options become sparse east of Vík, with limited choices in Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Self-catering is recommended for those exploring the eastern part of the region.

Suðurland is the setting of many of Iceland's most famous sagas. Njáls Saga, one of the masterworks of medieval literature, is centred around farms near Hvolsvöllur that still exist today. The Saga Centre in Hvolsvöllur brings this history to life. Skálholt, near Selfoss, was the seat of Iceland's bishops from 1056 and remains a site of cultural significance.

Þjóðhátíð in Vestmannaeyjar (August weekend) is one of Iceland's most celebrated festivals — a multi-day outdoor gathering with live music, bonfires, and the famous "Herjólfur" hillside singalong. The Skógar Folk Museum, founded by Þórður Tómasson, is one of Iceland's most important cultural institutions, preserving turf houses, tools, and artefacts.

Vestmannaeyjar's history is shaped by the 1973 Eldfell eruption, which evacuated the island overnight. The Eldheimar museum preserves excavated homes under the lava. Traditional crafts, including wool working and horse culture, remain strong throughout the rural south.

• Hiking the Laugavegur trail — a 55-km, 4-day trek from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk through rhyolite mountains, obsidian deserts, and glacial valleys, widely regarded as one of the world's great multi-day hikes.
• Walking behind Seljalandsfoss — one of Iceland's most photographed waterfalls, unique for the path that passes behind the 60-m cascade, offering a perspective few waterfalls in the world can match.
• Exploring Reynisfjara black sand beach — the dramatic beach near Vík with towering basalt columns, sea stacks (Reynisdrangar), and powerful Atlantic waves — one of Iceland's most striking coastal landscapes.
• Visiting Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon — icebergs calve from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and drift through this surreal lagoon before washing up on the nearby Diamond Beach.
• Puffin watching on Heimaey — millions of Atlantic puffins nest on the Vestmannaeyjar cliffs each summer, and the island's Eldheimar museum tells the dramatic story of the 1973 eruption.