Southern Region · Travel guide · Updated 2026

Southern Region of Iceland: A Land of Fire and Ice

Explore the Southern Region of Iceland: From majestic waterfalls to black sand beaches, glaciers, and geothermal wonders, this is a land of dramatic contrasts and natural beauty.

The Southern Region of Iceland is a place of striking contrasts. Here, you will find thundering waterfalls, black sand beaches, and towering glaciers. This area is home to some of the country's most iconic natural wonders, including the famous Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. Each offers unique experiences, with Seljalandsfoss allowing you to walk behind the cascading water and Skógafoss providing a stunning view from the top. Journeying through this region, you will come across the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, known for its basalt columns and powerful waves. This beach is a must-visit, but caution is advised due to the strong currents. Close by, the charming town of Vík í Mýrdal offers a glimpse into local life and is an excellent stop for a warm meal and local crafts. Further east, the Vatnajökull National Park is a highlight for many visitors. This park is home to Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull, and offers numerous hiking trails, ice caves, and the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Watching the icebergs drift in the lagoon or taking a boat tour to witness the beauty up close is an unforgettable experience. The Southern Region also features the Golden Circle, a popular route that includes the Geysir geothermal area, Gullfoss waterfall, and Þingvellir National Park. Each site is rich in history and natural beauty, making the Golden Circle a perfect day trip. No visit to the Southern Region is complete without experiencing the geothermal pools. The Secret Lagoon in Flúðir offers a more intimate alternative to the Blue Lagoon, allowing you to relax in warm waters surrounded by stunning landscapes.

Seljalandsfoss

Explore the Southern Region of Iceland: From majestic waterfalls to black sand beaches, glaciers, and geothermal wonders, this is a land of dramatic contrasts and natural beauty.

Skógafoss

Explore the Southern Region of Iceland: From majestic waterfalls to black sand beaches, glaciers, and geothermal wonders, this is a land of dramatic contrasts and natural beauty.

Selfoss

Strokkur Geyser

Explore the Southern Region of Iceland: From majestic waterfalls to black sand beaches, glaciers, and geothermal wonders, this is a land of dramatic contrasts and natural beauty.

Fjallabak Nature Reserve

Explore the Southern Region of Iceland: From majestic waterfalls to black sand beaches, glaciers, and geothermal wonders, this is a land of dramatic contrasts and natural beauty.

Dyrhólaey

Explore the Southern Region of Iceland: From majestic waterfalls to black sand beaches, glaciers, and geothermal wonders, this is a land of dramatic contrasts and natural beauty.

Geysir Hot Springs

Explore the Southern Region of Iceland: From majestic waterfalls to black sand beaches, glaciers, and geothermal wonders, this is a land of dramatic contrasts and natural beauty.

Vik

Dyrhólaey Lighthouse

Explore the Southern Region of Iceland: From majestic waterfalls to black sand beaches, glaciers, and geothermal wonders, this is a land of dramatic contrasts and natural beauty.

Fjaðrárgljúfur

Explore the Southern Region of Iceland: From majestic waterfalls to black sand beaches, glaciers, and geothermal wonders, this is a land of dramatic contrasts and natural beauty.

Svartifoss

Explore the Southern Region of Iceland: From majestic waterfalls to black sand beaches, glaciers, and geothermal wonders, this is a land of dramatic contrasts and natural beauty.

When is the best time to go to Southern Region?

Weather at a glance

Use the monthly temperature and precipitation trends to compare typical conditions across the year before planning countryside walks, town visits, and heritage days.

Temperature

°C

Precipitation

mm
Warmest monthsJun–Aug
Longest daylightJun–Jul
Driest periodJan–Dec

Explore places in Southern Region

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    Iconic landmarks you can't miss

    Classic Southern Region sights that mirror the landmark pins above, with a little more context before users explore further.

    Hallgrimskirkja

    Discover Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik's towering architectural marvel, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Icelandic heritage.

    Hallgrimskirkja

    Thingvellir National Park

    Explore the stunning landscapes and rich history of Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iceland, perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

    Thingvellir National Park

    Kerid Crater

    Experience the breathtaking beauty of Kerid Crater, a stunning volcanic lake offering vibrant colors and serene landscapes in the heart of Iceland.

    Kerid Crater

    Perlan

    Discover the wonders of nature and the cosmos at Perlan in Reykjavik, a unique museum and planetarium experience in the heart of Iceland.

    Perlan

    Sun Voyager

    Discover the Sun Voyager in Reykjavik, an iconic sculpture that symbolizes exploration and the rich maritime history of Iceland, surrounded by breathtaking views.

    Sun Voyager

    Gljufrabui

    Explore Gljufrabui Waterfall, Iceland's stunning hidden gem surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush nature, perfect for photography and adventure.

    Gljufrabui

    Svartifoss

    Explore Svartifoss, Iceland's stunning waterfall known for its unique basalt columns, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes in Vatnajökull National Park.

    Svartifoss

    Fjaðrárgljúfur

    Discover the breathtaking beauty of Fjaðrárgljúfur, Iceland's majestic canyon with stunning landscapes and unique geological formations.

    Fjaðrárgljúfur

    Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

    Discover the surreal beauty of Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River, where adventure meets tranquility in Iceland's stunning landscapes.

    Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

    Unmissable attractions to see

    These cards mirror the attraction list in the map, while adding enough context to help users prioritise.

    Seljalandsfoss

    Discover the enchanting Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind cascading waters and immerse yourself in Iceland's stunning natural beauty.

    Seljalandsfoss

    Skógafoss

    Explore the captivating beauty of Skógafoss, one of Iceland's most stunning waterfalls, and experience the magic of nature's artistry.

    Skógafoss

    Strokkur Geyser

    Experience the breathtaking eruptions of Strokkur Geyser, an iconic natural wonder in Iceland's Golden Circle, showcasing the power of geothermal activity.

    Strokkur Geyser

    Svartifoss

    Discover Svartifoss, Iceland's stunning Black Waterfall, a scenic marvel within Vatnajökull National Park known for its unique basalt columns and breathtaking landscapes.

    Svartifoss

    Fjaðrárgljúfur

    Discover the breathtaking beauty of Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, an iconic natural attraction in Iceland renowned for its stunning landscapes and serene hiking trails.

    Fjaðrárgljúfur

    The Icelandic Phallological Museum (Hið Íslenzka Reðasafn)

    Discover the unique and humorous world of the Icelandic Phallological Museum, a quirky attraction filled with fascinating specimens and cultural insights.

    The Icelandic Phallological Museum (Hið Íslenzka Reðasafn)

    Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

    Discover the rejuvenating Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River, where adventure meets serenity amidst Iceland's stunning landscapes.

    Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal River

    Dyrhólaey Lighthouse

    Discover the breathtaking views and natural beauty at Dyrhólaey Lighthouse, a historical gem on Iceland's southern coast.

    Dyrhólaey Lighthouse

    Dyrhólaey

    Discover the stunning natural beauty and historical significance of Dyrhólaey, a must-visit destination along Iceland's South Coast.

    Dyrhólaey

    Essential places to dine

    The dining ideas below match the food pins above, making the map and editorial recommendations work together.

    Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

    Each shopping card aligns with a mapped browsing area, from major retail streets to market-led detours.

    Essential bars & hidden hideouts

    The evening cards below match the bars layer in the map, so browsing and orientation stay connected.

    Free Images : sea, skyline, town, view, city, cityscape, panorama, iceland,  port, capital, outlook, hallgrimskirkja, reykjavik, residential area, human  settlement 5032x2026 - - 536265 - Free stock photos - PxHere
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    More about Iceland

    Discover Iceland, where glaciers meet volcanoes, Northern Lights dance in the skies, and natural wonders await at every turn.

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    Explore Southern Region in Photos

    A quick visual route through countryside views, towns, gardens, and regional day-trip atmosphere.

    File:Seljalandsfoss, Suðurland, Islandia, 2014-08-16, DD 201-203 HDR.JPG -  Wikipedia
    File:Skogafoss waterfall - Iceland - Landscape photography  (34692750741).jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach Iceland Travel Photography  (210387065).jpeg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Jökulsárlón lagoon in southeastern Iceland.jpg - Wikipedia
    Vatnajökull National Park - Wikipedia
    File:Þingvellir National Park in Iceland, where the North American and  Eurasian tectonic plates meet (26153584629) (2).jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Strokkur in eruption, Geysir Geothermal Field, Haukadalur, Iceland,  20230501 0902 3742.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    File:Gullfoss from the Air.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
    Dyrholaey Arch rock formation and sea in Iceland :: Free photos
    File:Landmannalaugar- Duhové hory.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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