Things to do in
Southern Region, Iceland

Our most recommended things to do in Southern Region, Iceland

Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater

Reykjavik: Golden Circle Full-Day Tour with Kerid Crater

See the best of southwest Iceland on an 8-hour Golden Circle tour by bus from Reykjavik. Visit the spectacular Geysir area, and go to the cascades of Gullfoss Waterfall. Discover where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet in Þingvellir National Park. Travel to the geothermal area of Geysir. Marvel as the active hot spring of Strokkur spouts steaming water 30 meters into the air every 8 minutes. Continue to one of Iceland’s most iconic features at the Gullfoss Waterfall (“Golden Falls“). Feel the spray of the waters of the glacial River Hvítá as it plummets down into a 32-meter deep crevice. Next, enter Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart at a rate of a few centimeters per year. Þingvellir was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural value in 2004, and is the site of a stunning rift valley and the Rock of Law, the first Viking parliament. Marvel at the volcanic crater at Lake Kerið, and pass through the Icelandic farms of the south on your drive around the Golden Circle, before returning to your original starting point in Reykjavik. (*Kindly note: We won’t be stopping at the Kerid volcanic crater lake for any departures at 12:00 pm and later)

From Reykjavik: South of Iceland Full-Day Trip

From Reykjavik: South of Iceland Full-Day Trip

Spend the day exploring the dramatic landscapes of the south of Iceland along with its coastline on a full-day sightseeing tour from Reykjavik. Along the way, discover a variety of rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and glaciers. Following a pickup from listed hotels or guesthouses by bus in central Reykjavík, travel to the gorgeous waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. At the waterfall at Seljalandsfoss, walk behind the cascades and feel the spray on your face. Continue to Skógafoss to marvel at the 60-meter drop. Pass the black sand beaches of the southern coast and enjoy the power of the sea. Visit the glacier snout of Sólheimajökull to see an outlet glacier of Mýrdalsjökull. Admire the ever-changing feat of nature up-close. Then, look at the basalt sea stacks at Reynisfjara, Iceland’s southernmost village just south of the Mýrdalsjökull glacier, before returning to Reykjavik.

From Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid, & Secret Lagoon Tour

From Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid, & Secret Lagoon Tour

Embark on a bus tour of Iceland’s legendary Golden Circle and soak in the thermal waters of the Secret Lagoon. Explore the southwest, including the spectacular Geysir area, Gullfoss Waterfall, Kerið Volcano, and Þingvellir National Park. After pickup in central Reykjavik, the day's first stop is at the Kerið Volcanic Crater. Here you can circle the crater top along a winding path and descend into the crater to reach the lake at its center. Next, head to the Secret Lagoon where you'll have 1.5 hours to unwind in the thermal waters and admire the peaceful surroundings. Continue to the active hot spring of Strokkur and watch it spout steaming water 30 meters every 8 minutes. Arrive at Gullfoss Waterfall and feel the spray of the glacial Hvítá River as it plummets down into a 32-meter-deep crevice. Next, visit Þingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart at a rate of a few centimeters every year. Þingvellir was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

From Vik or Reykjavik: Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour

From Vik or Reykjavik: Katla Ice Cave and Super Jeep Tour

Discover southern Iceland’s stunning ice caves on a guided tour from Vik or Reykjavik. Experience breathtaking views as you drive along the country's spectacular south coast.  Hop on a Super Jeep and travel along rugged rural roads as you admire the incredible landscapes and jaw-dropping sights as you make your way to your first stop. Arrive at Mýrdalsjökull Glacier and hike across it to reach Kötlujökull Glacier with provided crampons. Take in the stunning views of the Mýrdalsjökull Ice Cap and feel the thrill of crossing a vast glacial expanse. Then arrive at the cave and explore the frigid blue and black-colored interior. Learn about its formations and admire its spectacular beauty with your experienced guide. Finally, head back to the minivan and relax on the return journey to Vik or Reykjavik.

Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid Crater, & Blue Lagoon Tour

Reykjavik: Golden Circle, Kerid Crater, & Blue Lagoon Tour

Experience Iceland’s 2 most visited natural attractions, the Golden Circle and the Blue Lagoon, in one day on a comfortable and convenient minibus tour. Depart Reykjavik and head for the Thingvellir National Park, where the Eurasian and American tectonic plates converge. Amble through the stunning, lake-filled area, hopping back and forth between continental boundaries, and view the site where the Icelandic parliament was held from 930-1798. Next, head to the Geysir Hot Spring with geothermal pools reaching temperatures of 200 degrees. Witness the Strokkur geyser erupting a plume of boiling water and steam 100 feet in the air. Grab a bite to eat, before heading to the breathtaking waterfall at Gullfoss. Next, visit the Kerid volcanic crater with its deep blue waters, surrounded by vibrant red rock. Finish your tour at the iconic Blue Lagoon. Luxuriate in the warm, geothermal waters, making use of an included silica mud mask, before heading back to Reykjavik.

Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Guided Trip

Reykjavik: Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Full-Day Guided Trip

Explore the dramatic landscapes of the south of Iceland on a full-day sightseeing tour by bus. Go to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon outlet of the largest glacier in Europe, leaning about its history and formation from your local guide. Following a pickup from your hotel in Reykjavik, transfer to the southern coast and the dramatic Glacier Lagoon. Enjoy plenty of time to see the floating icebergs and enjoy the stunning scenery. During the season, make sure to reserve your ticket to the boat cruise on the Jökulsárlón and experience the unique Glacier Lagoon spectacle up close. When you prebook, your place is guaranteed. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is Iceland’s largest and deepest glacier lagoon. It branches from Breidamerkurjokull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier. Return to Reykjavik, stopping at the gorgeous waterfall Seljalandsfoss. You will visit the Diamond beach with black sand, and there will be an additional stop in Iceland's southernmost village at Vík for dinner.

Silfra: Fissure Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos

Silfra: Fissure Snorkeling Tour with Underwater Photos

Snorkel between two continents at the Silfra Fissure in Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay warm as you explore this magical underwater glacial world with a high-quality dry suit. Upon arrival, learn a bit about the fissure with your guide and get set up with all the required snorkeling gear. Explore the valley where the tectonic plates of North America and Europe drift further apart every year, located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Þingvellir National Park. Swim through the filtered crystal-clear glacial meltwater with your guide. Admire the vibrant colors and keep your eyes peeled for local plant species and marine life like the dwarf char. Marvel at the vibrant colors of the glacier meltwater as you swim between two continents. After the activity, enjoy some hot drinks and cookies and receive photos taken on a GoPro as a souvenir of your memorable experience.

Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike

Skaftafell: Ice Cave Tour and Glacier Hike

Explore breathtaking ice formations and glacier mills on this guided tour in Skaftafell. Marvel at a naturally-formed, blue ice cave and learn how glaciers are formed. A professional hiking guide will take you to the base of Falljökull, an outlet glacier of the Vatnajökull ice cap, and lead you up to the cave. On a clear day, be sure to look out for Hvannadalshnúkur in the distance.

Reykjavik: The Golden Circle Day Tour

Reykjavik: The Golden Circle Day Tour

Discover the extraordinary sights and natural wonders of Iceland’s geothermal Geysir area, and see active geysers and cascading waterfalls along the way. The tour starts at Geysir where you can see spouting hot springs, including the most active geyser in Iceland Strokkur. Continue across the torrid landscape to Gullfoss, where you can stand next to an amazing waterfall as enormous quantities of water tumble violently into a deep, meandering gorge. Spend some time exploring a cross-section of Iceland's natural wonders and geological phenomena at Thingvellir National Park, an area of such historic and geological significance it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Learn about the open-air assembly of Althing and how the landscape was husbanded over 1,000 years. See the dramatic fissures and rifts in the landscape caused by dramatic volcanic activity throughout history.

Iceland Secret Lagoon Admission Ticket

Iceland Secret Lagoon Admission Ticket

Originally built in 1891, the ‘Gamla Laugin’  is Iceland’s first swimming pool. Spend time in this relaxing setting feeling your worries slip away. A natural hot spring feeds the lagoon with 38-39°C water  that bubbles up from deep within the earth at a rate of 10 litres per second, constantly replenishing itself so that there is a steady supply of fresh clean water in the pool at any given time, letting you rest as long as you need.  Enjoy brand new facilities at the Secret Lagoon including changing rooms, showers, resting rooms, bar and restaurant area.  Situated in a remote location in Fluðir, the Secret Lagoon is just an hour away from Geysir, 1 hour and 20 minutes from Reykjavik and 2 hours from Vik making it a great desination on your trip to Iceland. 

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What people are saying about Southern Region, Iceland

Overall rating

4.7
(35,405 reviews)

I loved all 3 days. Richie Rich was our guide for golden circle and he was incredible. Funny and interactive with all the tourists. This one had the most walking - I think I clocked in at 13,000 steps! The only negative was the weather, despite “waterproof” outerwear, we were all soaked from the rain, which made the walk/hike more difficult. I’d do this one again, in better weather. The sites we saw were amazingly beautiful. The next day the south coast, maybe 11,009 steps, Thor, our guide was great. Also had a lot of info. I loved that he gave us free rein to go and come back at our pace (w/in time restrictions), so I didn’t feel like I needed to catch up. The peninsula tour was great, but the weather played a factor of not seeing glaciers, etc. clearly. Denis was our guide and he was personable & funny. I also liked how the timing was structured. It made it for a well organized event. Drivers on all days were great and got us around the roads safely. I highly recommend this activity.

Had a great day , packed in lots of sights & as we are on a short first visit to Iceland it really gave us a taste of what is here on offer . Our guide was very punctual for the pick ups & had things so organised - the way he explained everything about the landmarks & how things came about was informative & interesting. It’s a long day out , but we honestly couldn’t have managed to do so much without the organised trip. The weather was a little unpredictable , so make sure you have clothing for all eventualities , it’s easy to keep bigger items on the bus if not needed . Lunch at fridheimar was an interesting experience - you should try it !! Overall I recommend this day trip to visitors who like us didn’t want to rent a car - its packs a lot in .

This was my first activity in Iceland and it was great. The guide was informative. I wish I could remember her name! She was super friendly and had great interactions with the tourists. Loved the part where everything went dark. Definitely would recommend this.

The whole experience was great from the sights to the food magical. The guide had a great knowledge and was friendly and fun so made rhe whole experience so much more enjoyable.

We were very lucky with the weather. Our guide was amazing.