Reykjanes Peninsula and South Iceland: our unmissable place
- 2 days ago
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Looking for tips to plan your next trip to Iceland? Discover all the must-see spots in the Reykjanes Peninsula and South Iceland that we included in our itinerary along the famous Ring Road 1 and through some of the island’s most remote corners like West fjords.
If you’d like more details, check out our full two-week itinerary packed with practical advice from our direct experience, plus answers to the questions we’re most often asked by fellow travelers.
Reykjanes Peninsula and South Iceland
Our road trip through Iceland begins just a few kilometers from Keflavík International Airport, with the exploration of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Although the area itself isn’t particularly large — the distance between its farthest points is less than 50 kilometers — this peninsula feels like a condensed version of everything that makes Iceland such an extraordinary place. After only a few kilometers on the road, curve after curve, the raw beauty of Icelandic landscapes starts to reveal itself in full force, and every corner uncovers another detail worth stopping for… along with plenty of unplanned roadside breaks.
In this area, just a short drive from Reykjavík, you can already encounter solidified black lava fields, peaceful lagoons, wind-beaten cliffs, and fumaroles releasing sulfuric steam from deep within the earth. And it’s precisely these fumaroles that gave the peninsula its name: “Reykjanes” literally means “smoking peninsula”.
Must-See Places in the Reykjanes Peninsula
Among the many planned — and unplanned — stops we made along our itinerary, these are the ones we’d recommend the most:
Garðskagi Lighthouse, with its iconic white-and-red lighthouse overlooking the ocean.
Hvalsneskirkja, the charming black church surrounded by lava fields and open landscapes.
Stafnes Lighthouse, particularly striking thanks to its bright orange color contrasting with the rugged coastline.
Bridge Between Continents, the famous bridge crossing the fissure between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
Reykjanesviti, the oldest lighthouse in Iceland, surrounded by dramatic sea cliffs and volcanic scenery.
Gunnuhver, a steaming geothermal area filled with bubbling mud pools and colorful sulfur deposits.
Reykjanesfólkvangur, a stunning natural reserve where you can walk among hot springs, volcanic lakes, lava fields, black sand beaches, and cliffs with breathtaking views all around.
Reykjanesfolkvangur National Park
Walking among ancient craters, steaming fumaroles, and colorful bubbling pools feels like standing on the very edge between earth and sky — an experience that surrounds you with both wonder and deep respect for the raw power of nature. In this area, it’s easy to reach the starting points of hiking trails and boardwalks by car, allowing you to explore geothermal fields, volcanic lakes, lava fields, and dramatic cliffs surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Our main stops here were:
Kleifarvatn, a deep volcanic lake surrounded by black shores and rugged scenery.
Seltún Geothermal Area, where we walked along wooden boardwalks crossing the steaming and bubbling geothermal field.
Grænavatn, an ancient crater filled with striking turquoise volcanic water.
Krýsuvíkurberg Cliffs, towering black cliffs surrounded by lava fields covered in moss and lichens.
Active Volcanic Areas in the Reykjanes Peninsula
Starting in March 2021, after centuries of inactivity, several areas of the Reykjanes Peninsula entered a new phase of intermittent volcanic activity, creating new craters and offering the rare opportunity to witness spectacular lava flows not far from Reykjavík. Among the most significant eruptions were:
Fagradalsfjall, which erupted in March 2021 and remained active for around six months.
Meradalir, active in August 2022 for about a month.
Litli-Hrútur, which erupted in July 2023 and stayed active for several weeks.
A new eruption near Grindavík began on December 19, 2023, after the town had been evacuated in early November due to intense seismic activity.
To help regulate tourist access and ensure visitor safety, Icelandic authorities set up temporary parking areas and information systems with updates on trail access and safety conditions around the eruption sites.
Blue Lagoon
la Laguna Blu is a landmark stop for many people visiting Iceland for the first time. Touristy and often crowded, we can’t say we didn’t enjoy a warm bath and a bit of relaxation during our long Icelandic road trip, but it’s probably not a place we would return to.
First of all, it’s important to clarify that this is not a natural hot spring, but a man-made spa complex with an entrance fee (and not exactly a cheap one). The warm, mineral-rich waters — especially rich in silica and sulfur — come from the nearby geothermal power plant: the water used in the plant’s energy process is filtered underground and then directed into the bathing pools. That said, we have to admit that the contrast between the milky blue water and the surrounding black volcanic rocks still creates a truly unique atmosphere.
If you’d like to save a bit of money, our advice is to book well in advance, since ticket prices usually increase closer to the date and spots can sell out quickly. It’s also best to avoid peak hours between 10 AM and 2 PM. A slightly more affordable alternative, set in an equally stunning landscape, could be the newer Sky Lagoon
Visiting Downtown Reykjavík: Our Choice
Just a few kilometers north of the peninsula lies Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital city. Reykjavík is relatively small and compact, so we decided to spend around three hours exploring it on foot, wandering through its main neighborhoods and discovering the city’s unique architecture.
Among the iconic spots we’d definitely recommend are:
Hallgrímskirkja, the city’s striking church, famous for its unique design inspired by Iceland’s basalt columns.
Rainbow Street, the colorful rainbow-painted street symbolizing freedom and diversity, leading from Hallgrímskirkja toward the city center, lined with souvenir shops and cozy cafés.
Harpa Concert Hall, the photogenic glass concert hall reflecting the sky and the nearby harbor.
Tjörnin and the Old Reykjavík area, the historic heart of the capital, perfect for a relaxing walk among colorful houses and lakeside views.
Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is a popular day-trip route easily reachable from Reykjavík, connecting three main sites, each with very different characteristics. In reality, the name can be a bit misleading, as it doesn’t necessarily form a loop—especially for those who, like us, don’t return to Reykjavík as a starting point but continue the journey south instead.
In our case, we decided to dedicate about five hours to visiting all three locations. The attractions themselves are free to access, although parking at Þingvellir National Park requires payment via QR code.
Þingvellir National Park
The first stop is Þingvellir National Park, where, after parking at the visitor center, you step into the historic site where Iceland’s first parliament was established — and considered by many the world’s first democratic parliament.
The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can be explored on foot via the many trails that branch out from the visitor center. In our case, we spent about two hours here, following a loop trail that took us to Öxarárfoss, the Law Rock (Lögberg), one of Iceland’s earliest churches (Þingvallakirkja), and Þingvallavatn, the largest lake in Iceland. The feeling is that of walking through a natural amphitheater where every stop tells a piece of Iceland’s geological and cultural history.
Before leaving, we also recommend heading up to Hakið Viewpoint, the main panoramic viewpoint near the visitor center.
Geysir Geothermal Area – Strokkur
Just under 50 km from Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area is another unmissable stop — not only for its natural spectacle, but also because the dormant hot spring “Geysir” gave its name to the English word “geyser,” now used worldwide to describe hot water and steam eruptions.
Here, the ground is constantly bubbling and steaming, and the eruptions of Strokkur are the real highlight: powerful bursts of boiling water that shoot up to 15–30 meters every few minutes, creating a rhythm of anticipation and awe that keeps visitors gathered around in silence, waiting for the next eruption.
Gullfoss Waterfall
The final stop along the route is Gullfoss, one of the most famous and powerful waterfalls in Iceland. Here, a massive two-tiered cascade crashes forcefully into a wide canyon, creating a dramatic scene shaped by wind, spray, and raw natural energy.
In the right light conditions, countless rainbows often appear in the mist, adding an almost surreal touch to an already spectacular landscape — a fitting finale to the Golden Circle journey.
The Most Spectacular Waterfalls in South Iceland
From Gullfoss, we head south to join the famous Ring Road 1 and begin exploring South Iceland and its incredible waterfalls. For visiting them, we highly recommend proper waterproof gear, as conditions can get very wet and windy. Some waterfalls even allow you to walk behind the curtain of water — such as Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi — so expect to get completely soaked!
For this reason, it can be a good idea to plan these stops toward the end of the day or, in any case, bring a full change of dry clothes with you.
Seljalandsfoss
Without a doubt, one of the most famous and photographed waterfalls in Iceland. The waters of Seljalandsfoss plunge spectacularly from a steep cliff that opens onto the valley below, and a short, easy trail allows you to walk right behind the cascade.
Especially between August and September, our advice is to visit in the afternoon, as in the morning the falls tend to be in the shade.
Gljúfrabúi
Often overlooked by many visitors and just a few minutes’ walk from nearby Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi is a waterfall hidden inside a canyon cave. You’ll definitely get soaked trying to reach it, but it’s absolutely worth it — the wow effect is guaranteed.
Skógafoss
This spectacular waterfall drops about 60 meters and can create huge rainbows on sunny days. In addition to approaching the base of the falls, it’s also worth climbing the steep staircase alongside it for a panoramic view from above.
Kvernufoss
After visiting Skógafoss, it’s worth making a short detour to the Skógar Museum. Leave your car there and, after a short walk through a canyon, you’ll find yourself in front of this spectacular but lesser-known waterfall: Kvernufoss, tucked inside a narrow gorge. Even better, you can actually walk behind the curtain of water for a truly immersive experience.
Canyons, Glaciers and Lagoons
Sólheimajökull Glacier
The Sólheimajökull glacier, in South Iceland, is one of the most fascinating yet accessible glacier tongues on the island, and it forms part of the larger Mýrdalsjökull ice cap.
From the parking area, a roughly 1 km trail leads you right to the foot of the glacier, set within a glacial lagoon where icebergs float slowly in the water — an absolutely stunning view.
What struck us the most was the grey and black colouring of parts of the glacier, caused by volcanic ash and sand that have settled on its surface over time. Only in Iceland does the combination of fire and ice reach this level of perfection.
In this area, it’s possible to walk very close to the glacier and observe the layering and structure of the ice up close. This and other parts of South Iceland have also been widely used as filming locations for famous movies such as Batman Begins, Interstellar, and Oblivion.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, Dyrhólaey Peninsula & Vík
About 30 km from Sólheimajökull, we make a short stop in Vík í Mýrdal, the southernmost village in Iceland, known for its iconic white church with a red roof. Nestled between Reynisfjall on one side and the black sand beach with its sea stacks on the other, Vík offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the country. From here, you can also take a short hike up Reynisfjall for sweeping views over the beach, the cliffs, the village, and the Dyrhólaey peninsula. The trail is relatively easy and starts right from the village.
We then drive up to Dyrhólaey Lighthouse, which offers stunning panoramic views over the black sand coastline, the lighthouse itself, and a massive natural arch carved into the lava rock, constantly shaped by the Atlantic Ocean. While walking around the cliffs, we also try to spot puffins, although without success — late August to early September makes sightings more difficult, but we still give it a try.
From there, we continue down to the famous Reynisfjara Beach, renowned for its black volcanic sand, towering basalt column wall, and the offshore sea stacks of Reynisdrangar.
Reynisfjara is also unfortunately known for its danger. It is a spectacular place, but one that must be respected due to the immense power of the ocean. Over the years, several tragedies have occurred here, with people being swept away by waves and unable to return to shore. The main risk comes from so-called “sneaker waves” — sudden, unpredictable waves that are much larger than the rest and can surge far up the beach with tremendous force. Even standing close to the shoreline can become dangerous, and the strong currents and uneven seabed make survival extremely difficult once someone is pulled in.
While we were there, we saw some reckless visitors stepping into the water or walking far too close to the waves just to capture a photo or a social media clip — but it’s really not worth it. Nature here should be respected, not challenged, especially on a beach that has sadly earned the nickname “the beach of death.”
So the best approach is simple: enjoy the wild beauty of Reynisfjara, but always keep your distance from the ocean and never turn your back to it — the waves can be unpredictable and extremely powerful.
Walking near the basalt columns, we look up again at the cliffs, where the formations create ideal nesting spots for puffins. This time, luck is on our side, and we manage to spot several of them in the distance.
Fjadrargljjufur Canyon
We head back up the coast for about 80 km along the Ring Road 1 until we reach Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, an impressive canyon with sheer, winding walls shaped by erosion from glacial meltwater thousands of years ago — truly an unmissable stop.
From the parking area, a scenic trail runs along the entire length of the gorge. Make sure to walk it all the way through and get ready for some absolutely incredible photo opportunities!
Svínafellsjökull Glacier
Svínafellsjökull is a highly scenic glacier tongue that forms part of the massive Vatnajökull ice cap, the largest glacier in Europe, located in southeast Iceland. This ice flow extends from the main Vatnajökull plateau into the Svinafellsdalur valley, creating a dramatic landscape of deep crevasses, moraine ridges, and towering ice walls.
Just after the visitor center of Skaftafell Nature Reserve, you’ll find the turn-off leading to the parking area, and from there a 10–15 minute trail brings you to the glacier front, set within a glacial lagoon where small icebergs float in the water. The view from here is simply spectacular.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Fjallsárlón & the Famous Diamond Beach
To see floating icebergs up close, there are no better places than the glacial lagoons at the foot of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap. Among the most stunning are Jökulsárlón and Fjallsárlón, both filled with deep blue waters and drifting icebergs.
We visited on a cloudy day, which still gave the landscape a beautifully atmospheric and reflective mood. But this is one of those places that feels magical in almost any light, so if you can, it’s worth returning at different times of day for a completely new experience each time.
At Jökulsárlón, keep your eyes open — it’s quite common to spot seals swimming among the icebergs or resting on them.
Just nearby lies the famous Diamond Beach, a black sand shoreline scattered with sparkling chunks of ice of all shapes and sizes. These pieces break off from the nearby glaciers and are carried by the tide back onto the beach, creating an otherworldly scene of natural “diamonds.” With climate change, they feel even more precious.
Bring your camera — this is one of those places where creativity has no limits.
Stokksnes
If you’re passionate about photography, don’t miss a stop (ideally at sunset) at the black sand beach of Stokksnes, dominated by the striking Vestrahorn, which creates postcard-perfect scenery. If you’re lucky, you might even capture the mountain’s reflection on the dark volcanic sand.
To access the area, there is an entrance fee of 1000 ISK per person, payable at the nearby Viking Café. The site also has a touch of history and folklore: close to the beach you’ll find an abandoned village, built in the 1930s as a film set, which now adds an extra layer of atmosphere to the landscape.
Despite its beauty, Stokksnes is exposed to strong winds and rapidly changing weather conditions, so caution is needed when exploring. But it is precisely this raw natural power that makes the place so unique and unforgettable.
For more details on our stops and to learn more about our Iceland trip, check out the other articles on our blog and follow our posts and stories on Instagram @2intour
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