South Iceland

South Iceland travel at your fingertips

South Iceland is a land of great natural beauty, well–known year round as an enviable place to visit. Many of Iceland’s most popular historical attractions are held in this region and no matter where you go, the expansive natural landscape spanning sprawling lowlands and deep valleys cuts between impressive mountains. It’s a nature–lover’s paradise in all seasons, with increasing tourist traffic now coming even in the off season.

Attractions

The main flux of tourists arrives in June as the summer traffic picks up. The countryside fills with grazing sheep, while many tour operators organise trips over the highland route known as Fjallabaksleið Nyrðri – a stunning journey across some of the south’s most spectacular landscapes. Hikers can head out on any number of long and short trails into the mountains or meadows.

The Westman Islands are a great place to visit in the autumn. Birdwatchers are kept busy here with the puffins caring for their young. The old stave church is a main draw for the harbour city of Skansinn. This structure, along with an adjoining fort, was donated by neighbouring Norway in honour of 1,000 years of Christianity.

Hekla is the site of a famous volcano situated here in South Iceland; it last erupted in the year 2000. Myrdalur is a wonderful city to visit where you’ll find a variety of landscapes and natural wonders. The rough ocean currents bring mild winters to this black–sand harbour. Farther inland you’ll cross expansive meadows and impressive mountainsides, all culminating in a volcano locked in the throes of an enormous glacier.

Þingvellir is home to a national park that has made the UNESCO World Heritage List. The world’s oldest parliament also meets in South Iceland. Culture buffs will find a wealth of museums, art galleries and traditional performances on stage.

Entertainment

There are plenty of cities large enough to keep you busy with their dining and entertainment options. Skalholt and Selfoss are both cosmopolitan places where you’ll find a thriving arts and theatre district. Outdoor excitement is around every corner as well, and activities include snowmobiling, hiking, bird and whale watching, golfing and fishing.

Hotels in South Iceland

South Iceland has plenty of hotels to accommodate the increasing number of tourists arriving in the region. In the larger cities, South Iceland hotel include higher end options with five–star ratings. You can also find quaint cottages available in more remote places.

Southern Iceland is an expansive region and many of the hotels here are spread out across many different locations. The best way to find a hotel in South Iceland in the area you’re travelling to is to book online well in advance of your trip.

Out and about – car hire in South Iceland

A hire car is an essential means of seeing the countryside in South Iceland. Journeying from the harbours and low-lying meadows to the glaciers and volcanoes requires a great deal of driving across open countryside. You will definitely want to arrange a budget car hire for your visit.

You’ll find a good representation of all the major car hire companies in South Iceland. Most of these South Iceland car hire have main offices in the larger cities with satellite offices in the smaller towns and more remote areas. Advance online booking will ensure you get the make and model you desire.