South Iceland
Regions & Cities
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Selfoss
On the banks of the Ölfusá, Selfoss is a service town for Golden Circle visitors, with guesthouses, trout restaurants and public swimming pools warmed by geothermal water; it’s a good base for Gullfoss, Geysir and river fishing in the lowlands.
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Þingvellir
A rift valley west of Reykjavík where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates separate and where Iceland’s Alþingi met from the 10th century.
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Geysir
A geothermal area in Haukadalur known for hot springs and geysers, including the historically named Geysir and the frequently erupting Strokkur.
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Gullfoss
A powerful two-tiered waterfall on the Hvítá river, Gullfoss sits along Iceland’s Golden Circle.
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Seljalandsfoss
A roadside waterfall on the Seljalandsá that allows a footpath behind its water curtain.
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Skógafoss
A tall, single-drop waterfall on the Skógá river with a staircase to the rim and trails that continue upriver toward Fimmvörðuháls.
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Reynisfjara
The black‑sand beach near Vík where Reynisfjara draws photographers for its basalt columns and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks; visitors must respect local warnings about powerful sneaker waves.
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Landmannalaugar
A highland geothermal region in Iceland’s Southern Region, famed for rhyolite hills, steaming hot springs and access to the Laugavegur trekking route; hikers camp and soak after long mountain days.
Top Cities in South Iceland
South Iceland at a Glance
Local Time
12:09 AM
GMT+0
Population
28,399
Best Things to Do in South Iceland
Trail
Laugavegur
Waterfall
Gullfoss
Powerful two-tier waterfall on the Hvítá River
Building
Geysir
Geothermal field with erupting hot springs and geysers
Historical Site
Þingvellir
Rift valley national park and historic Icelandic parliament site
Waterfall
Skógafoss
Wide powerful waterfall with steep drop
Waterfall
Seljalandsfoss
Tall waterfall you can walk behind
Island
Surtsey
Volcanic island formed 1963, restricted scientific research site
Volcano
Hekla
Active Icelandic volcano with frequent historical eruptions
Islands
Vestmannaeyjar
Volcanic island group with puffin colonies and eruptions
Volcano
Laki
Icelandic volcanic fissure system, notable 1783 eruption
Mountain
Grímsvötn
Subglacial Icelandic volcano beneath Vatnajökull ice cap
Island
Heimaey
Icelandic island known for 1973 volcanic eruption evacuation