Curator’s statement
In Southern Iceland, the land itself is alive, and you can feel it in every step. Waterfalls thunder down mossy cliffs, rivers run hot enough to bathe in, lava flows create black sand beaches, and glaciers conceal luminous blue caves that look like they’ve been carved from light. At night, the Aurora unfurls across the sky in ribbons of green and violet, making the whole world feel surreal. What I love most is how this fierce vitality is softened by stillness—soaking in a hidden hot spring, wandering a serene coastal village, or simply standing quietly and feeling yourself part of the landscape.
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Things to do in Iceland
Seljalandsfoss—one of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls
The Southern Iceland experience
Wander Reykjavík: Iceland’s capital is colorful, walkable, and full of charm. Stroll the harbor, climb Hallgrímskirkja Church for views, explore Perlan’s interactive exhibits, and end the day in one of the city’s cozy restaurants or lively bars.
Soak in Iceland’s hot springs: The iconic Blue Lagoon is truly exceptional, but Southern Iceland’s more local gems are just as special. The Secret Lagoon in Flúðir is Iceland’s oldest pool, while the rustic Hrunalaug and the hot river in Reykjadalur Valley feel wonderfully off-the-beaten-path. End your trip at Hvammsvík, where oceanfront pools blend luxury with raw Atlantic beauty.
Chase waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss are two of Iceland’s most iconic waterfalls—one you can walk behind for a magical perspective, the other a thundering cascade that soaks the air with mist. Both are unforgettable stops on the Golden Circle.
Explore Þingvellir National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site where you can walk between tectonic plates, Þingvellir also carries deep historical significance as the site of Iceland’s first parliament.
Marvel at Kerið Crater: This volcanic caldera holds a brilliant blue lake framed by red volcanic rock. It’s quick to visit but unforgettable, especially in the soft light of morning or evening.
Walk the black sands of Reynisfjara: Near Vík, this dramatic beach is lined with basalt cliffs and sea stacks rising from the Atlantic. It’s powerful, beautiful, and a reminder of Iceland’s raw, untamed coastline.
Taste geothermal rye bread at Laugarvatn Fontana: Baked underground in geothermal heat, this dense, slightly sweet bread is a local tradition. Enjoy it warm with butter—simple, nourishing, and uniquely Icelandic.
Places to eat & drink in Iceland
Café Loki—a Reykjavík favorite. Cozy, casual, and full of local flavor, it’s a perfect stop between sightseeing in the city.
This mix of splurge-worthy experiences and local gems gives a taste of both Iceland’s modern food scene and its cozy, authentic spots.
Splurge meals
Dill (Reykjavík): Iceland’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, Dill is consistently ranked among the country’s best. Its tasting menus highlight local, seasonal ingredients in creative Nordic dishes—a true splurge for food lovers.
Matur og Drykkur (Reykjavík): Modern Icelandic cuisine rooted in tradition, this upscale spot reimagines classics (like cod head or lamb) with inventive flair. Perfect for a memorable, high-end night out.
Friðheimar (Golden Circle, Flúðir): Dining inside a working tomato greenhouse is a one-of-a-kind experience. The menu is fresh, simple, and surprisingly refined—with endless tomato soup, homemade bread, and even tomato beer.
Local gems
Café Loki (Reykjavík): Across from Hallgrímskirkja, this café serves hearty, traditional dishes like lamb soup and rye bread with smoked trout. A casual, cultural stop that feels authentically Icelandic.
Reykjavik Roasters (Reykjavík): Beloved by locals, this cozy café consistently earns rave reviews for its specialty coffee. A must for starting the day in the capital.
Ölverk Pizza & Brewery (Hveragerði): A welcoming local gem serving wood-fired pizzas alongside beers brewed using geothermal energy. Known for its friendly service and quirky Icelandic twist, it’s a must-stop in Hveragerði.
Old Dairy Selfoss Food Hall (Selfoss): Street food at its best! A lively food with nine restaurants with cuisines from all over the world and focus on local ingredients. The Old Dairy is a must-visit destination for all food lovers.
Suður-Vík (Vík): One of the best dinner spots in Vík, Suður serves fresh fish, wood-fired pizzas, and hearty comfort food. The atmosphere is relaxed, with views of the town and ocean.
Gamla Fjósið (near Skógafoss): A family-run restaurant in a converted cowshed, known for its excellent local beef burgers and steaks. Rustic, affordable, and right by one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls.
Bryggjan Café (Grindavík, near Blue Lagoon): A fisherman’s hangout turned cozy café, Bryggjan is famous for its lobster soup. Authentic, casual, and the perfect pre- or post-Blue Lagoon stop.
Need to know
Good to know before you go
Weather is a character, not a backdrop. In Iceland, the weather changes quickly—sun, rain, and wind can all happen in an hour. Don’t stress about it—lean into the drama. That shifting sky is what makes the photos so magical.
Daylight shifts everything. In summer, you’ll have near 24-hour light (hello, midnight waterfalls). In fall or winter, shorter days mean slower travel and the chance to see the Northern Lights—but plan your stops around daylight hours.
Food is pricey, but worth it. Dining out in Iceland costs more than most places, but the quality—especially seafood and lamb—is exceptional. Balance splurge meals with cozy local gems (soups, bakeries, and hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur in Reykjavík).
Book hot springs ahead. The Blue Lagoon and Hvammsvík need advance reservations. Smaller spots like Hrunalaug or the Reykjadalur hot river are walk-up only, but space is limited—go early, late, or off-peak for a more peaceful soak.
Expect driving to be part of the adventure. Roads are good in the south, but distances feel longer because you’ll keep pulling over for waterfalls, horses, or just a ridiculously beautiful landscape. Build in buffer time—you’ll use it.
Icelandic horses will steal your heart. They’re smaller than you expect, with shaggy manes and five unique gaits. Even if you don’t ride, stop at a farm to meet them—they’re part of the Icelandic story.
Pack for hot springs like a pro. Bring a quick-dry towel, a plastic bag for wet clothes, and flip-flops. Most places don’t provide them, and you’ll thank yourself later.
The Northern Lights aren’t guaranteed. Clear skies, darkness, and solar activity all have to line up. If you see them, it’s unforgettable—but don’t build your whole trip around them. Think of them as a bonus.
Locals love it when you slow down. Iceland isn’t just about “seeing everything.” It’s about soaking it in—literally and figuratively. Sit longer in the hot spring, linger over coffee, watch the light shift across the landscape. That’s where the magic is.
Ready to go?
Iceland is even more magical when it’s experienced in a way that feels effortless and personal. Whether you want to drive the South Coast on your own with hidden-gem stops mapped out, or prefer a fully guided journey where every detail is taken care of, I’ll shape the trip around you. From booking boutique stays to securing your spot in the best hot springs, I handle the details so you can simply enjoy the adventure.
Ready to plan? Reach out and let’s start creating your Iceland experience. I also offer a free sample itinerary to give you a feel for what your journey could look like.
Travel Advisor
Meghan Gough
Get in touch with Meghan Gough
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Iceland page.