Sightseeing in Southern Iceland
The sights of Southern Iceland run from a rift valley where a parliament met in the 10th century to a glacier lagoon at the far eastern edge of the region. Costs are in Icelandic króna (ISK); figures marked “about” can change.
Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Alþingi, Iceland’s parliament, was founded here in 930. Walk the Almannagjá rift, the Lögberg and the waterfall Öxarárfoss. The park grounds are free to walk, and parking is 1,000 ISK per day for a car with 5 or fewer seats (1,200 ISK for 6 to 9 seats). One payment covers all lots that day. The Þingvellir site explains how to pay.
Geysir and Strokkur
Strokkur erupts every few minutes, so you rarely wait long. There is no entry fee. Check whether parking is charged.
Gullfoss
Gullfoss is a two-step fall of 11 m and 21 m into a canyon of the river Hvítá. There is no entry fee, and parking charges may apply, so check the signs.
Reynisfjara and the Reynisdrangar sea stacks
The black sand beach at Reynisfjara is among the most photographed places in Iceland, with the Reynisdrangar stacks standing out at sea. It is also dangerous. Sneaker waves surge far up the beach without warning. Official signs use a light system: do not enter the yellow zone when the yellow light is on, and do not go past the sign when red is on. Stay well back from the waves, never turn your back on the sea, and never climb the basalt columns or enter the Hálsanefshellir cave in rough surf. The beach has been eroded by winter storms and the cave may be cut off by the sea, so do not count on seeing either. Parking is around 1,000 ISK in the lower lot and 750 ISK in the upper lot.
Dyrhólaey
The Dyrhólaey promontory has a sea arch. Parts of it close for nesting birds in spring, commonly early May to about 25 June, so follow the signs. Entry is free.
Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss
Seljalandsfoss falls about 60 m, and Skógafoss has a staircase of about 527 steps to a platform at the top. Each has a car park charging around 1,000 ISK. Ice closes the path behind Seljalandsfoss in the colder months, roughly November to March.
Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach
Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the neighbouring Diamond Beach lie in Hornafjörður, counted in the Southern Region since 2020. The lagoon boat tours cost 7,100 ISK for the amphibian boat (adults 13 and over) and 16,600 ISK for the Zodiac. Parking at Jökulsárlón is about 1,000 ISK.
Staying safe while sightseeing
Check safetravel.is for alerts, road.is for road conditions and vedur.is for weather. Call 112 in an emergency. If you walk on Sólheimajökull, do it only with a certified guide.
Read more: Walking tours in the Southern Region covers the on-foot routes, and day trips joins the sights into routes.
Guided sightseeing departures can be searched on GetYourGuide .