South Iceland has plenty to discover from the stunning waterfalls of Skógafoss, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss to the famous black sand beaches of Reynisfjara in Vik.
Luxury Holidays in South Iceland
© Icelandic Explorer
© Icelandic Explorer
A word from our travel specialist
I visited South Iceland and explored Reykjavík, geysers, waterfalls, and lagoons. While the main attractions were beautiful, I especially enjoyed the peaceful rural areas around the waterfalls. They felt untouched and quiet, offering a nice contrast to the busy tourist spots. The less commercial lagoons were also a highlight—calm, natural, and a perfect place to relax without the crowds. It was a refreshing experience that gave me a deeper appreciation for the country’s raw beauty.
Emma
Head of Operations
@ Jonfromiceland
South Iceland, Designed Around You
There are plenty of amazing and unique accommodations and experiences to be had in Southern Iceland. Whether you are looking for a standout property to stay in or experience some of the magical tours and activities that are possible in this area of the world we have you covered! Below are some of what we believe to be some of the highlights of this region but there are plenty more so speak to one of our Nordic Experience Curators today who can help you plan your dream trip!
Tailor-Made Ways to Experience South Iceland
Explore glaciers, black beaches and waterfalls on your terms—South Iceland is your personal postcard in motion.
Panorama Glass Lodge in Iceland
Panorama Glass Lodge in Iceland allows you to get immersed in Iceland’s most dramatic landscape.
Reykjavik & Akureyri
This year-round suggested itinerary has you visit the two main cities in Iceland – its capital Reykjavik and then the country’s second city Akureyri which...Where to Stay: Handpicked for You
Stay just steps from waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glaciers—our South Iceland picks combine location, comfort, and unforgettable scenery.
Silica Hotel
Refined comfort and luxury in an stunning setting, private lagoon access
Hotel Umi
Connecting to nature, with peace and quiet in the Icelandic countryside
Skalatot Hotel
Close to stunning waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers and black sand beaches
Torfhús Retreat
Tranquillity and stunning scenery, in a place far away from the everyday
Hotel Ranga
A boutique hotel that go above and beyond in sustainability managementThe Guidebook
Explore South Iceland
South Iceland has plenty to discover from the stunning waterfalls of Skógafoss, Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss to the famous black sand beaches of Reynisfjara in Vik. Reynisfjara is a very famous location used in film and television and it also has basalt columns there too.
Further along the south, there is the famous diamond beach located by Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and Jökulsárlón itself is fascinating to discover and see the icebergs floating within the lagoon.
Other places to discover are the LAVA Centre which displays the geophysical activity in Iceland, there is the National Park of Þingvellir where you can step between the two tectonic plates.
What makes the south so perfect to explore is the ability to travel there almost year-round – if you are after combining see the natural wonders with the possibility of Northern Lights then look to travel from September through to March!
Getting There
There are many flights to and from Iceland all year round. International flights arrive at Keflavík International Airport, just to the south of the city. There are no railways in Iceland but the city centre does have bus services as well as taxis.
Climate
Despite its name, Iceland is not necessarily that cold. Winter temperatures are an average of 3.6°C, and summer temperatures average around 15°C. In the summertime you can enjoy long, extended hours of sunshine and in the wintertime the nights can get dark enough for you to see the Northern Lights as long as you are away from light pollution!
Geography
Reykjavik and Iceland are world-famous for its geology and geography. With huge mountain ranges and an active geothermal country with many geysers, hot springs and volcanic formations to be found – it is a breath-taking landscape for those after an adventure.
Iceland offers some of the best waterfalls in Europe, such as the Dettifoss regarded as the most powerful waterfall in the whole of Europe.
With a latitude of 64° north, Reykjavik offers a perfect base from which to embark on an Iceland Northern Lights adventure.
Shared Experiences
From Our Customers
The best travel experience ever on every level you can think of during a Lapland expedition (food, activities, timings, accommodation, transport, service, equipment…). I highly recommend Off The Map Travel for their outstanding level of professionalism and detail oriented mindset!
Sophie & Guy
Amy was a great help with planning this trip. Our trip turned out amazing. I also was very grateful for Off the Map’s Front Desk service, which promptly handled an on the spot issue we had.
Karen
I used OTMT to organise a holiday to see the Northern Lights for my partner’s 50th birthday. They took the time to understand my priorities, the kinds of places we like to stay and the things we like to do. They recommended a fabulous itinerary in Norway centred around the Lyngen Experience Lodge. The holiday itself lived up to expectations and I have no hesitation in recommending OTMT. They listened carefully during the planning and delivered the perfect present for my partner.
Alex
I would thoroughly recommend this company. Their planning and advice was spot on. Alex responded to my calls and emails very promptly. I will definitely use them again for future trips.
Rosie
Off the Map Travel was great! Alex helped us plan the most amazing 10 day honeymoon to Iceland. He gave us great recommendations and was so patient with us during the planning process!
Tori
We originally hired Off the Map Travel in 2020 to set up a trip to see the Northern Lights. That didn’t happen, thanks to COVID. But, we persisted and in March of 2023, we took a 16-day trip that included both Iceland and Norway. IT WAS MAGICAL! Off the Map took care of everything! We were pampered at every stage of our trip. The people they hired and the activities they planned added up to a trip that will set the standard for any we’ll ever take in the future. Alex and his team were fabulous! We recommend them without restraint!
Jim & Kris