Southern Region

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.

Southern Region Must-Sees — Map

Ævar Guðmundsson / CC BY 2.0

A

Seljalandsfoss

Waterfall with a 60-meter vertical drop featuring a unique pathway that allows walking behind the cascade.

Jerzystrzelecki / CC BY 3.0

B

Skogafoss

Spectacular waterfall approximately 60 meters high and 25 meters wide, featuring powerful cascades that often produce rainbows and panoramic views from the top.

pjt56 / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Reynisfjara Beach

Black sand beach known for its striking basalt sea stacks, caves, and coastal views. Part of a UNESCO geological reserve with notable volcanic sand formations.

Chmee2 / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Geysir

Historic geothermal geyser known for its eruptions and geothermal activity within a notable hot springs area.

Jerzystrzelecki|Jerzy Strzelecki / CC BY 3.0

E

Strokkur

Active geyser erupting every 5 to 15 minutes with water fountains reaching up to 40 meters high. Located within a geothermal area, it is known for frequent and reliable eruptions.

Wojciech Strzelecki "Wojtrix" / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Fjadrargljufur Canyon

Scenic canyon with steep walls, a winding river, and a waterfall visible from an observation platform. Known for its geological significance and hiking opportunities.

G.Mannaerts / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

Bruarfoss Waterfall

Waterfall in a spring-fed river surrounded by dense birch shrubbery, notable for its striking blue waters.

Hansueli Krapf / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Gljufrabui

A 40-meter waterfall partially hidden within a short canyon, accessible by trail and staircase.

Hansueli Krapf / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Wrecked DC-3 Plane

Abandoned U.S. Navy DC-3 aircraft wreck lies on a black sand beach, known for its striking and surreal appearance. The site features a relatively intact fuselage set against a dramatic Icelandic landscape.

Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Silfra Diving

Silfra is a rift formed in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge – the divergent tectonic boundary between the North American and Eurasian plates – and is…

G8w / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Háifoss

With the height of 122 meters, Háifoss is the third highest waterfall in Iceland.

Grunkhead / CC BY-SA 3.0

L

Thjofafoss

Þjófafoss is located on the river Þjórsá on the east side of the Merkurhraun lava fields in the south of Iceland, at the southwest tip of…

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