South Iceland, All about the South
Experience Glaciers, Mountains, pearly black sands, Ice reservoirs and more
South Iceland is the most popular region is Iceland. There is a valid reason for this popularity, there are many things to see on the way from Reykjavík the capital on your way through the South Iceland region. You have most of the beautiful landmarks in Iceland all in one region. Combined with the spectacular nature pearls in South Iceland the culture at it´s best with various museums spread all thought the region there is a lot to see and learn on your way.
A rich history from the beginning until the present day, strong economic activity, in mix with the beautiful nature and the fascinating stories of vikings and settlers culture and the people from South Iceland. All this and more give us a good explanation on why South Iceland is the most popular region in Iceland amongst travellers.
See all of South Iceland Service on All about the South
Interesting Places in the South
Þingvellir
Þingvellir serve a great historical, cultural, and geological importance in the harts of all Icelanders. The Icelandic parliament or ( Alþingi ) was founded there in 930 and remained there until 1798 when it was transferred to Reykjavík. Þingvellir is a national park and was founded in 1930 to reserve the historical value of the parliament site and to protect natural phenomena in the surrounding area. Þingvellir are a national treasure and is the property of the Icelandic nation. In addition it marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Þingvellir is the home of the largest lake in Iceland called Þingvallavatn. Some of the greatest landmark in Iceland are also located there. Almannagjá, a large canyon marks the “crack” between the North American, Asia and Europe rafts. Spectacular site for everyone to enjoy. In Þingvellir you also have the clearest water in all of Iceland. One of the most popular gap is Nikulásargjá, better known as Peningagjá. It´s believed that if you toss a coin into the water your wish will come true, as you can imagine the bottom is filled with coins that sparkle like stars.
Silfra – All about Iceland
Öxará lingers through Þingvellir and forms a waterfall called Öxaráfoss at the Almannagjá. On the north site of the largest lake in Iceland, Þingvallavatn you can go to Silfra, a popular dive and snorkel tour location.
Together with the waterfall Gullfoss and the geysers of Haukadalur, Þingvellir is part of the most famous sights of Iceland, the Golden Circle.
Jökulsárlón
On the road between Höfn and Skaftafell in South Iceland you will see and witness Jökulsárlón, one of Iceland´s nature wonder and most likely one of the worlds nature wonder. Jökulsárlón is situated on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park at the head of Breiðamerkurjökull ( Glacier ). It developed into a lake after the glacier started to recede from the Atlantic ocean. The lake is growing in various speed and is aprox 1.5 km from the ocean and covers around 18 -20 km2
Jökulsárlón is filled with bluish ice and icecaps. Its one of a kind. You can experience the lagoon up front, you can sail around the lake or lagoon and our operators conduct snowmobile and jeep tours to visit the glacier along the winding iceberg-studded Jökulsárlón.
South Iceland – Jökulsárlón – All about Iceland
Gullfoss
Gullfoss is a waterfall that comes from the river Hvítá in South Iceland. The fall is one of Iceland´s favourite tourist attractions. The River falls into Gullfoss about one kilometre above, it has three stages or “staircase” before reaching the bottom. When approaching Gullfoss from a far it seems like the waterfall plunges into the ground and vanishes into the earth. Its is truly a sight you will have to experience for your self when you come to Iceland.
Together with Þingvellir and the geysers of Haukadalur, Gullfoss forms the Golden Circle, a popular day tour for tourists in Iceland.
South Iceland – Gullfoss – All about Iceland
Geysir
Located in Haukadalur, South Iceland. The research shows that geysers have been active for approximately 10,000 years. The activity in Haukadalur dates back to 1294. Great Geysir use to erupt up to 80 meters in the air, now a days activity in old Great Geysir has stopped. There is another geyser called Strokkur, it erupts between 3 – 5 min. and goes up to 30 meters in the air. Some other geysers are also in the area that do not erupt. It is truly a sight to see and truly a must for everybody visiting Iceland.
Together with Þingvellir and the Gullfoss, Geysers of Haukadalur forms the Golden Circle, a popular day tour for tourists in Iceland.
South Iceland – Geysir – All about Iceland
Eyjafjallajökull
Eyjafjallajökull is a Volcano mounted below an ice cap, the ice cap covers an area of about 100 square kilometres, feeding many other glaciers. The volcano first erupted in 920, 1612 and again from 1821 to 1823 when it caused a glacial lake outburst flood or jökulhlaup. It erupted twice in 2010—on 20 March and in April/May. The eruption in 2010 was devastating for many people in South Iceland and caused the evacuation of around 500 people from their homes and destroyed much of the crops for farmers in the region. The eruption was also bad for the rest of the world, for example it disrupted flight traffic across Europe with the cancelation of thousands of flights. Even though all of this has happened , Eyjafjallajökull is a spectacular and historical sight and a must for all to see when travelling in the south.
South Iceland – Eyjafjallajökull – All about Iceland
When travelling in South Iceland this is just a fraction of what you can see, there are many more pearls or landmarks you can feast your eyes on. There are many more water falls, Skógarfoss is one of the greater one, long black beach sands that go on for many kilometres and we recommend Mýrdalsandur, more glaciers, mountains and much more.
We here at All about Iceland welcome you and hope you love South Iceland like we do