Southern Region

Region · 🇮🇸 Iceland

Population 28,399

Area 21,082 km²

Time zone Atlantic/Reykjavik

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Featured Lists

Ævar Guðmundsson / CC BY 2.0

Southern Region Must-Sees

The Southern Region of Iceland encompasses diverse geological features, including the 60-meter Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, and the 122-meter Háifoss. Geothermal activity is centered at the Geysir area, where Strokkur erupts every few minutes. Coastal highlights include the basalt columns and black sands of Reynisfjara Beach and the 1973 DC-3 plane wreck on Sólheimasandur. For unique landscapes, the Fjadrargljufur Canyon showcases Ice Age formations, while the Silfra fissure allows for diving between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.

12 places

Martin Kucera / CC-BY-SA

Iceland's Hidden Gems

Explore the lesser-known wonders of Southern Iceland, ranging from the 1973 US Navy DC-3 aircraft wreck on Sólheimasandur’s black sands to the geothermal river of Reykjadalur. This collection features the secluded Gljúfrabúi waterfall tucked inside a canyon and the historic Seljavallalaug, one of the country's oldest outdoor pools. Discover the reconstructed Viking-era turf houses at Stöng Commonwealth Farm and the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Þjórsárdalur valley, including the multi-tiered waterfalls of Gjáin and the turquoise waters of Þjófafoss set against the Merkurhraun lava fields.

7 places

Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0

Majestic Mountains and Peaks

Southern Iceland’s landscape is defined by these prominent peaks, ranging from the sheer 688-meter cliffs of Lómagnúpur to the moss-covered volcanic cone of Mælifell. Many of these sites, such as Þríhyrningur, hold significance in Icelandic sagas, while others like Reynisfjall serve as vital nesting grounds for Atlantic puffins. These geological formations offer insights into the region's volcanic history and provide vantage points overlooking glacial outwash plains and the Atlantic coast.

7 places

Jerzystrzelecki / CC BY 3.0

Icelandic Waterfalls and Rivers

Southern Iceland's landscape is defined by its diverse glacial rivers and volcanic geology. This collection features iconic landmarks like Seljalandsfoss, where a path leads behind the 60-meter drop, and Skógafoss, known for its sheer volume and frequent rainbows. The list highlights geological rarities, including the "windowed" rock formations of Gluggafoss and the vibrant turquoise pools of Brúarfoss. From the 122-meter height of Háifoss to the hidden canyon falls of Gljúfrabúi, these sites demonstrate the scale and erosive power of the region's water systems.

15 places

Chmee2 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Icelandic Caves & Geothermal Wonders

Southern Iceland’s geothermal landscape features the Great Geysir and the reliable Strokkur geyser, which erupts every few minutes. This selection includes the Reykjadalur valley, where a warm river allows for natural bathing, and the silica-rich, turquoise waters of the Blesi hot spring. Subterranean highlights range from the 9,000-year-old Gjábakkahellir lava tube to the man-made Laugarvatnshellir, inhabited by families until 1921. The list also covers the distinct basalt column caves found along the black sand beaches near Vík.

10 places

NOAA / Public domain

Icelandic Heritage and Archaeology

This collection highlights key historical and archaeological sites in Southern Iceland, spanning from the Commonwealth era to the mid-20th century. It features the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Þingvellir, significant for its early parliament and historic ruins, and Surtsey, a volcanic island dedicated to ecological research. The list includes Skálholt, a former medieval bishopric, and Stöng, a Viking-age longhouse preserved by volcanic ash from the 1104 Hekla eruption. These locations provide a physical record of Iceland's religious, political, and geological history.

5 places