South Iceland and Golden Circle

Start your trip with the famous Golden Circle route. First, visit Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where Iceland’s first parliament met over 1,000 years ago. See a big crack in the earth where two tectonic plates meet and walk on the Law Rock, where leaders once gave speeches.

Next, head to the Geysir Geothermal Area. Although the original Geysir is now dormant, nearby Strokkur erupts every few minutes, shooting hot water up to 25 meters into the air.

Continue to Gullfoss, also known as the Golden Falls. Watch the powerful Hvita River plunge into a deep canyon, surrounded by mist and rugged landscapes.

In the afternoon, travel south toward the coast. Weather permitting, enjoy views of Mount Hekla before arriving at Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most unique waterfalls—you can even walk behind it for a different perspective.

Stay overnight in South Iceland. From September to April, you might be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights if the skies are clear.

Start your day by heading east to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. See floating icebergs of all shapes and sizes slowly moving toward the Atlantic Ocean. Right next to it is Diamond Beach, where ice chunks wash up on the black sand, shining like diamonds. Walk along the beach, enjoy the views, and look out for seabirds and maybe even a seal.

Next, travel to Skaftafell Nature Reserve for a guided glacier adventure. From October to April, join a certified guide to explore a natural ice cave in Vatnajokull Glacier. You’ll hike across the glacier and step inside the cave to see deep blue ice and learn how it formed. In summer, visit the Katla Ice Cave near Vík, which is open year-round.

The ice cave and glacier hike take about 2 hours. Stay the night near Skaftafell, a great spot for Northern Lights viewing between September and April.
 

After breakfast, you begin the drive back to Reykjavik, with several scenic stops along the way. If road conditions allow, your first stop is Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. This winding canyon with cliffs offers great photo opportunities and peaceful views.

Next, explore Eldhraun, one of the largest lava fields in the world, before heading to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Watch the strong waves crash against the shore, and be careful—these waves can be unpredictable. Don’t miss the basalt cave and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks, which are tied to Icelandic troll legends.

Later, visit Skogafoss, one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls. It drops 60 meters into a calm pool below. If you’re up for it, climb the 527 steps to the top for wide views and, on a clear day, a view of Eyjafjallajokull volcano.

After your final stop, return to Reykjavik in the late afternoon or early evening, ending your 3-day South Coast adventure.