Did you know? The Reynisdrangar sea stacks were once trolls dragging a ship to shore. When sunrise arrived, they turned into stone and remain frozen there today.
About South Iceland
South Iceland is one of Iceland's most distinctive regions, offering visitors unique landscapes, rich history, and authentic Icelandic experiences.
Top Attractions
Iceland's most iconic sights — all in South Iceland
Ægisíðufoss
Ægisíðufoss is a wide countryside waterfall on the Ytri-Rangá near Hella in South Iceland, known for its peaceful setting and salmon-rich river landscape.
Ægissíða
„Ægissíða er bær við Ytri-Rangá gegnt Hellu í Djúpárhreppi. Í túninu voru 12 misstórir hellar í móbergslandslaginu, gerðir af manna höndum. Nú eru þeir ellefu talsins. Líklegast þykir að þessir hellar og aðrir svipaðir á þessu svæði séu verk bænda, sem hafi notað þá sem gripahús, hlöður og grænmetisgeymslur. Ristur í veggjum og loftum sumra þeirra hafa valdið nokkrum vangaveltum og sumir álíta þá verk papa, sem Landnáma segir að hafi verið hér á landi, þegar norrænir menn hófu búsetu. Ægissíða var vinsæll áningar- og gististaður áður en bílaöld gekk í garð, því að þar var vað á ánni.“
Ærfjallshöfuð
Mountain peak overlooking Eyjafjörður in North Iceland, offering wide panoramic ridge views near Akureyri.
Ærhellar
Ærhellar eru tveir aflagðir hellar við Steinslæk á jörð Þjóðólfshaga í Rangárþingi Ytra. Hellarnir voru notaðir til búskapar, en í öðrum hellinum mátti geyma 50 fjár og 30 í hinum. Mikið er af gömlum manngerðum hellum í Rangárþingi Ytra.
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Æskulýðskrossinn - The Youth Cross
Attraction in South Iceland, Iceland.
Áfangagil
Áfangagil er vestan í Valafelli, norðan við Heklu. Þangað er gott aðgengi frá Landvegi. Hellismannaleið er stikuð gönguleið er liggur um gilið. Hún er frá Leirubakka og í Landmannalaugar (1). Í áfangagili eru Landréttir sem áður voru í Réttanesi en voru aflagðar eftir Heklugos 1980 (2).
Affall
Affall is a clear lowland river in South Iceland known for birdlife, wetlands, and sea trout fishing between the Landeyjar districts.
Alda
Mountain Peak in South Iceland, Iceland.
Private Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon 2 Day Tour & Glacier Hike
From $7240
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Alda aldanna
Gaze upon a monumental sculpture embodying Iceland's ancient geological dance and timeless beauty.
Aldamótaskógur á Gaddstöðum
Discover Aldamótaskógur, a vibrant millennium forest offering peaceful trails and stunning views in South Iceland.
Álftaver
„Álftaver, lítil byggð austan við Mýrdalssand vestan Kúðafljóts. Víðast grasgefin sveit en mýrlend, mikil melapláss austast.“ Útsýnisskífa er á háum hól við Álftaversveg, skammt frá vegamótum við þjóðveginn. Fyrir ofan byggðina eru miklar hólaþyrpingar sem hafa verndað byggðina að nokkru fyrir ágangi Kötluhlaupa í gegnum tíðina. Um er að ræða gervigíga sem eru friðlýst náttúruvætti.
Álftaversgígar
Viewpoint in South Iceland, Iceland.
Private 2-Day Glacier Lagoon, Ice Cave and Northern Lights
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Öxará River & Almannagjá Rift
Almannagjá ('Everyman's Gorge') is a dramatic fissure in Þingvellir National Park marking the edge of the North American tectonic plate.
Álútur
Mountain Peak in South Iceland, Iceland.
Alviðruhamrar
„Alviðruhamrar eru klettahamrar á söndunum fram af Álftaveri. Alviðruhamrar hafa líklega myndast eftir að hraun hefur runnið ofan af hálendinu á forsögulegum tíma, allt í sjó fram, en þar hefur sjórinn svo brotið framan af hrauninu. Norðvestur af Álftaveri var Dynskógahverfið til forna, en byggðin þar er talin hafa farið í eyði í Kötluhlaupinu um 900. Þar eru nafngreindir nokkrir bæir og einn af þeim hét Alviðra sem hamrarnir eru víst nefndir eftir. Talið er að Þorkell Alviðrukappi sem barðist við Hróar Tungugoða á Orrustuhól hafi kennt sig við þann bæ.“
Alviðruhamraviti
Alviðruhamraviti er 20,5 metra hár steinsteypuviti sem stendur á svörtum söndum í mikilli auðn syðst í Álftarveri á Mýrdalssandi. Vitinn er hannaður af Benedikt Jónassyni verkfræðing árið 1929. Ljóshæð vitans er 33 metrar yfir sjávarmáli og er hann bæði starfræktur sem ljósviti og radarsvari (1, 2).
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Antafjallstindur
Mountain Peak in South Iceland, Iceland.
Árbæjarfoss
„Ytri-Rangá er gjöful laxveiðiá og vinsæl meðal veiðimanna, auk þess sem ýmsar fallegar gönguleiðir liggja meðfram ánni“ (1). Meðal annars að Árbæjarfossi, sem er tilkomumikill foss í göngufæri frá Hellu (2). Nokkur breyting varð á fossinum árið 2002 þegar lokið var við framkvæmd á laxastiga sem hófst 17 árum áður. Grjóti var mokað í fossinn og klöpp sem í honum var sprengd í burtu (3).
Árbæjarkirkja í Holtum
„Bær og kirkjustaður í Holtum. Árbær stendur á bakka Ytri-Rangár og er Árbæjarfoss þar nálægt í ánni. Þar var fyrrum rafstöð fyrir nálæga bæi. Manngerður hellir, friðlýstur, er nokkru fyrir vestan bæinn og eru fleiri slíkir þar í grenndinni. Núverandi kirkja var reist 1887. Þar er margt góðra muna s.s. kaleikur og patína úr silfri. Altaristaflan er talin vera eftir Þorstein Guðmundsson frá Hlíð (1817-1864), máluð 1852, og sýnir Jesúm á krossinum. Tvær góðar klukkur eru í turni, báðar með áletrun, önnur frá 1600 en hin frá 1741. Árbæjarkirkja var helguð Maríu guðsmóður og Jóhannesi skírara í kaþólskum sið.“
Árbær Farm Museum
Historic farm museum showcasing traditional Icelandic rural life and architecture.
Reykjavik Private Northern Lights Tour with Pro Photographer
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Arctic Rafting
Attraction in South Iceland, Iceland.
Arnardrangur
Dyrhóley var friðlýst árið 1978 (1) en hún er „120 m hár móbergsstapi sem rís þverhníptur úr hafi. Mjór bergrani tengir eyjuna við land og í honum er gatið eða dyrnar sem stapinn ber nafn sitt af.“ Þar er að finna mikla náttúrufegurð og fuglalíf og eyjan því vinsæll viðkomustaður ferðamanna (2). Friðlýsingarákvæði frá árinu 1978 „gilda einnig um Arnardrang við Útfallið, svo og alla dranga og sker út af Dyrhólaey“ (1).
Arnarfell hið litla
Mountain Peak in Highlands, Iceland.
Arnarfell hið mikla
Mountain Peak in Highlands, Iceland.
Glacier Adventure at Sólheimajökull Private Tour
From $387.98
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Arnarfellsjökull
Arnarfellsjökull er jökulsporður sem gengur út úr Hofsjökli til suðausturs. Hann kvíslast síðan í þrjá skriðjökla Rótarjökul nyrst, Múlajökul til suðausturs sem er jafnfram þeirra stærstur og svo Nauthagajökul í suðvestur. Eitt sinn gekk Hofsjökull sjálfur undir nafninu Arnarfellsjökul, þá kenndur við Arnarfell hið mikla en því var breytt og nú er hann kenndur við Hof í Vesturdal (1). Arnarfellsjökull er sérlega áhugaverður staður, en þangað er nánast ekkert aðgengi (2).
Arnarholt
Arnarholt og Arnarbæli í Árnessýslu eru svæði á Náttúruminjaskrá. Þar er fagurt landslag við Hvítá undan Arnarholti. „Áin þrengir sér þar í hvítfyssandi flúðum milli þriggja gróskumikilla hólma.“ Einnig er fallegt votlendi milli Arnarholts og klettaborga við Arnarbæli, þar sem áður voru áveitur.
Arnarker
Cave in South Iceland, Iceland.
Arnarker, Leitahraun
Attraction in south-iceland.
Árnessýsla Folk Museum
Step into South Iceland's past at this vibrant folk museum, housed in charming historic buildings.
Árnesþingstaður
Hjá Minna-Hofi í Gnúpverjahreppi eru tóftir sem talið er að séu þingbúðatóftir (1), um 30 að tölu á Árnesþingstað hinum forna. Friðlýsingu rústanna var þinglýst árið 1938 (2). Tóftunum er raðað í kringum tvær lautir og þykir vel hugsanlegt að þingið hafi farið þar fram. Rústirnar eru umfangsmiklar og hafa líklega haft einhvert mikilvægt hlutverk (1).
Ásasel
Historic Ruins in South Iceland, Iceland.
Ásgarðsfjall
Mountain Peak in North Iceland, Iceland.
Ásgarðsgljúfur
Ásgarðsgljúfur eru sunnan við Ásgarðsfjall á Kerlingarfjallasvæðinu. „Fullyrða má að þeirra bíði veisla sem Kerlingarfjöll sækja heim og kunna að meta fallega og fjölbreytta náttúru. Litbrigði, litir og landslag, með fjöllum, jöklum, dölum, tindum, giljum og bullandi hverasvæði bíður og ekkert eftir en að mæta á staðinn og bera sig eftir björginni. Í Kerlingarfjöllum finna allir gönguleiðir við sitt hæfi. Sumar leiðir eru merktar en aðrar eru ómerktar.“
Ásgrindur
Mountain Peak in South Iceland, Iceland.
Ash column
Attraction in South Iceland, Iceland.
Assa
Mountain Peak in South Iceland, Iceland.
Ástarbrautin - gönguleið
Attraction in south-iceland.
Auralda
Mountain Peak in South Iceland, Iceland.
Aurora Basecamp
Attraction in Capital Region, Iceland.
Austastafell
Mountain Peak in South Iceland, Iceland.
Austastihryggur
Mountain Peak in South Iceland, Iceland.
Austur-Meðalholt
Discover Austur-Meðalholt, a poignant window into traditional Icelandic farm life.
Austurbæjarhellir
Í Rangárþingi Ytra er nokkuð mikið af manngerðum hellum. Austurbæjarhellir, hellir í landi Þjóðólfshaga er einn þeirra. Hellirinn er manngerður og var notaður fyrir sauðfé, þ.e. fjárhellir. Hellirinn er 500 metra í suðvestur af gamla bænum.
Austurbunki
Mountain Peak in South Iceland, Iceland.
Axlafoss
Axlafoss er fallegur foss í Skaftárhreppi, stutt frá Syðra-Fjallabaki (1). Hann fellur í ánna Hólmsá, norðvestan við Tjaldgilsháls, en straumur vatnsins fellur út frá brún sem minnir nokkuð á axlir (2). Vegslóði út frá Fjallabaksleið syðri liggur nærri svæðinu (3).
Bæjarhaus
Mountain Peak in South Iceland, Iceland.
Bæjarhellir (Baðstofuhellir)
Stór hellir í mjúku móbergi sem dregur nafn sitt af því að í honum var búið fyrr á öldum. Í honum eru margvísleg merki um mannvist fyrri ára s.s. fangamörk, letur og ristur á veggjum auk skápa og hólfa sem mótuð hafa verið í veggi hans. (1) Bæjarhellir er einnig nefndur Baðstofuhellir. „Baðstofuhellir er kunnur fyrir vetrarpartsdvöl Jóns Steingrímssonar þar árið 1755. Bóndinn úthlutaði honum vist í hellinum, sem var þá líklega tengdur bænum um göng hægra megin dyra. Jón stækkaði hellinn og bjó þar með bróður sínum í bezta yfirlæti. Á meðan á dvölinni stóð var Jón að læra þýzku, sem kveikti í honum áhuga á eldgosum og sögu þeirra. Þegar bræðurnir voru að koma sér fyrir í hellinum, hófst mikið Kötlugos. Jón Sigurðsson, sýslumaður, skrifaði skýrslu um gosið, sem Jón Steingrímsson byggði mun gleggri greinargerð á. (...) Síðast var hellirinn nýttur sem fjárhús.“ (2)
Baldheiði
Mountain Peak in Highlands, Iceland.
Bárðarbunga
Volcano in South Iceland, Iceland.
Bárðartindur
Mountain Peak in South Iceland, Iceland.
Beitarhústóft 440011
Archaeological Site in South Iceland, Iceland.
Beitarhústóft 440012
Archaeological Site in South Iceland, Iceland.
Beitarhústóft 440013
Archaeological Site in South Iceland, Iceland.
Bergþór úr Bláfelli
Memorial in South Iceland, Iceland.
Bergþórshvoll
Discover Bergþórshvoll, a historic site in South Iceland, steeped in sagas and folklore, featuring a charming red-roofed church amidst ancient graves.
Bíldufell
Mountain Peak in South Iceland, Iceland.
Biskupsfell
Mountain Peak in South Iceland, Iceland.
Bjarnarsker
Mountain Peak in South Iceland, Iceland.
Björgunarsveitin Björg
Artwork in South Iceland, Iceland.
Björninn
Mountain Peak in South Iceland, Iceland.
Hidden Gems
Off-the-beaten-path spots most tourists miss
Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon
This serpentine canyon is one of Iceland's best-kept secrets — a 2-kilometer-long gorge carved into ancient palagonite rock over 9,000 years by glacial rivers draining from the highlands. The canyon plunges up to 100 meters deep, with sheer moss-covered walls that glow emerald green in summer. A walking trail along the canyon rim offers breathtaking views into the abyss where the Fjaðrá river snakes below. The canyon became famous when Justin Bieber filmed the music video for 'I'll Show You' here in 2015 — tourism surged so violently afterward that the site was temporarily closed in 2019 to prevent environmental damage. Today it's carefully managed with boardwalks and roped paths. Fjaðrárgljúfur is especially stunning in late spring when waterfalls pour over the cliffs and wildflowers bloom along the rim. Local folklore says the canyon was formed when a troll woman tried to flee the sunrise, her footsteps carving the gorge as she ran.
Seljavallalaug Pool
Hidden in a narrow valley beneath towering mountains, Seljavallalaug is one of Iceland's oldest swimming pools — built in 1923 by locals who wanted to teach Icelanders to swim after a tragic shipwreck. The geothermally-heated pool (fed by a natural hot spring) measures 25 meters long and is completely free to use. It's maintained by volunteers and has no lifeguard, so you swim at your own risk. To reach it, you hike 15 minutes along a scenic valley trail from the trailhead on Route 242. The pool often sits empty, giving you the surreal experience of soaking in warm water surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and absolute silence. The changing rooms are basic — just a small concrete building — but that's part of the charm. After the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption, the pool was buried in volcanic ash and had to be excavated by locals. It's one of the most photogenic spots in Iceland, especially in winter when steam rises into the cold air.
DC-3 Plane Wreck (Sólheimasandur)
In 1973, a US Navy Douglas DC-3 aircraft ran out of fuel and crash-landed on the black sand desert of Sólheimasandur. Miraculously, all crew members survived. The plane was abandoned where it fell — too remote and damaged to salvage — and has sat there rusting for over 50 years, slowly being reclaimed by the elements. The wreck became an icon of post-apocalyptic beauty and has been photographed by millions. It's featured in music videos (Justin Bieber's 'I'll Show You'), fashion shoots, and was even a filming location. The fuselage is largely intact, with its wings torn off and scattered nearby. You can climb inside (carefully) and explore the hollow shell. Reaching the wreck requires a 4-kilometer walk (8 km round trip) across a barren black sand plain — the landowner closed the road to vehicles in 2016 after tourists caused too much damage. The hike takes about 1 hour each way, and there's no shade, so bring water. In winter, the wreck is often dusted with snow, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
History & Geology
The landscapes of South Iceland were shaped by fire and ice over millions of years. Powerful volcanoes such as Katla and Eyjafjallajökull sit beneath massive glaciers. When these volcanoes erupt beneath ice, they cause enormous glacial floods known as jökulhlaups — floods powerful enough to reshape entire river valleys within hours.
One of the most famous eruptions occurred in 2010 when Eyjafjallajökull erupted and disrupted air travel across Europe for weeks. The ash cloud grounded over 100,000 flights and put Iceland on the world's front pages.
The black sand beaches you see today — at Reynisfjara and Vík — are made from basaltic lava that erupted from these volcanoes and was pulverized by the relentless power of the North Atlantic waves over thousands of years.
Eyjafjallajökull
Erupted in 2010 — disrupted European air travel for weeks.
Jökulhlaup Floods
When volcanoes erupt under ice, catastrophic floods reshape the land.
Black Sand Beaches
Formed from basalt lava ground down by the Atlantic Ocean over millennia.
Haunted South Iceland
South Iceland is not only famous for its waterfalls and black sand beaches — it is also home to one of Iceland's most terrifying ghost stories: the Deacon of Dark River.
Djákninn á Myrká – The Deacon of Dark River
📍 Myrká River, South Iceland
Iceland's most famous ghost story: a young deacon who died crossing the frozen river on Christmas Eve came back from the dead to claim his beloved — but she did not survive the ride.
On Christmas Eve 1780, a young deacon named Jón rode through a snowstorm to fetch his beloved Guðrún for midnight mass. When he attempted to cross the Myrká River, his horse stumbled on the ice. Jón fell, struck his head on a rock, and drowned in the freezing water beneath the ice.
But that night, Guðrún heard hoofbeats outside her window. A dark figure on horseback appeared, and believing it to be Jón, she climbed on behind him. As they crossed the river, moonlight struck the rider's face — and Guðrún saw not the living, but the pale, bloated features of a drowned corpse.
The deacon spoke a chilling verse: "Tunglið lýsir, dauðinn ríður, séður andlit á dauðum manni?" ("The moon shines, death rides, do you see the face of a dead man?")
The revenant rode on to Hruni church graveyard and began clawing at the frozen earth, trying to drag Guðrún into the grave with him. She grabbed the church bell cord and rang it desperately — the sound broke the spell. The deacon sank into the earth. Guðrún was found the next morning, still clutching the bell rope, her hair turned completely white. She never fully recovered her mind.
Explore all of Iceland's haunted places and supernatural legends
👻 View All Ghost StoriesFAQ
How many days do I need for South Iceland?▾
2–3 days is the minimum to see the highlights. Allow 4–5 days to explore at a relaxed pace and include Jökulsárlón and the Diamond Beach.
What is the best time to visit South Iceland?▾
Summer (June–August) offers the midnight sun and all roads are open. Winter (October–March) is best for Northern Lights and ice caves inside glaciers.
Do I need a 4x4 car in South Iceland?▾
For the main Ring Road attractions, a regular car is fine. A 4x4 is needed if you want to explore highland F-roads (only open in summer).
Can I swim behind Seljalandsfoss?▾
You can walk behind the waterfall — but expect to get wet! A rain jacket is essential. The path behind is closed in winter when it freezes.
Is Reynisfjara dangerous?▾
Yes — sneaker waves here can be deadly. Always stay well back from the water's edge and never turn your back on the ocean.
Haunted Places in South Iceland
South Iceland contains some of the country's best-known supernatural landmarks — from troll sea stacks to Viking treasure legends and mysterious mountain spirits protecting hidden valleys.
Reynisdrangar Sea Stacks
Legend says these formations were trolls caught dragging a ship to shore — turned to stone the moment sunrise touched them.
Skógafoss
According to saga, the first Viking settler Þrasi hid a treasure chest behind this waterfall. Many have searched — none have found it.
Seljavallalaug Valley
Mountain spirits were believed to protect travelers bathing in the warm geothermal waters of this hidden natural pool.
Dyrhólaey Arch
Traditionally described as a gateway arch used by sea spirits traveling between the ocean and the land beneath the black cliffs.
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🚐 Getting Around Iceland
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⚔️ Viking Heritage
Saga sites and Viking routes in this region
Keldur
One of Iceland's Oldest Viking Age Farm Sites
Keldur was once home to powerful Viking-age families mentioned in medieval sagas. The site includes underground tunnels believed to have been used as defensive escape routes.
💡 Did you know?
Keldur remains one of the best preserved turf farm complexes in Iceland.
Laugarvatn
Travel Route of Early Settlers
The Laugarvatn region lay along important inland travel routes used by Viking settlers moving between coastal farms and assembly sites such as Þingvellir.
💡 Did you know?
Many modern hiking routes still follow paths first used by Viking settlers more than 1,000 years ago.
Skálholt
Religious Center of Early Iceland
Skálholt became one of the most important religious centers in Iceland after Christianity was adopted around the year 1000 during the Alþingi assembly at Þingvellir.
💡 Did you know?
For centuries Skálholt served as one of Iceland's two episcopal seats.
Þingvellir
Birthplace of Icelandic Democracy
Þingvellir was the meeting place of Alþingi, Iceland's national assembly founded in the year 930. Viking chieftains gathered here each summer to create laws, settle disputes and govern the country without a king.
💡 Did you know?
At Lögberg, the Law Rock, laws were spoken aloud from memory by the Lawspeaker. This system helped create one of the oldest parliamentary traditions in Europe.
Vestmannaeyjar
The Story Behind the Name Westman Islands
The Westman Islands were named after Irish slaves who escaped after killing their Viking master Hjörleifur. Ingólfur Arnarson later tracked them to the islands during the settlement period.
💡 Did you know?
The word "Westmen" referred to Irish people living west of Norway during the Viking Age.