Besides the Reykjavík area, the South Coast of Iceland is by far the most popular part of the country that is featured on social media, blogs and in one of Justin Bieber’s music videos. People from around the world are flocking there in droves. According to the Icelandic Tourism Board’s statistics for 2017, during the winter 55% of the travelers that come to Iceland traveled to the South and in the summer, a whopping 71% of travelers to the country went to that region. It is without a doubt a very popular place but it might make one wonder, “Is it really worth the hype?”
Before answering that, let’s start off with what you can see and do along the South Coast of Iceland. Because this area does have a variety of attractions and stunning nature, I have split everything up into three categories. I will start off with talking about historical sites and the most popular places to visit. Following that, will be the type of wildlife and nature you can find in this region. Lastly, I will go over the fun activities that are available for you to do along the South Coast.
Historical Sites & Most Popular Places to Visit
1. Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir
Þingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is popular for many reasons. The first and most important reason is due to its historical significance in Icelandic society. The general assembly for Parliament, or Alþing in Icelandic, was established here around 930 and continued to meet there until 1798. The parliament members would discuss and decide on laws, as well as pass judgements on any matters brought before them.
The Logberg or Law Rock is where public speaking events took place. The unique geology in the area created a natural amphitheater for such speaking events. Along with learning about history and being able to see where Icelandic people’s ancestors used to meet, you can witness the Mid-Atlantic ridge. This ridge is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly separating at a rate of two centimeters per year. The separation has created a rift valley, which means that you can walk between two continents.
2. Churches Along the South Coast
Even though less than 10% of Icelandic population goes to church each month, there are many churches in the country. In fact, there are 19 churches that can be found along the South Coast of Iceland, if you exclude the ones in the Reykjavík area. Many of these churches have a similar style that makes them easy to spot. Just look for a steeple with a cross on top that is attached to a large room that is used for the congregation to meet in.
On a map, you will always know how to find a church because the word kirkja will be at the end. Kirkja means church. Some of the churches that get a decent amount of visitors are the ones in Selfoss, Þingvellir, Strandar and Höfn. The church in Höfn is especially interesting because it has a turf roof and was built in 1884! See the full list of churches along the South Coast of Iceland here.
Church with a turf roof
3. Museums & Cultural Centers
Icelandic people are very proud of their culture and the nature that surrounds them. In total, there are 15 museums and cultural centers the region. My favorite is the LAVA center, which is a very cool interactive museum about Icelandic volcanoes. It is for all ages and I have been there twice. You can find museums and cultural centers along the South Coast of Iceland that feature exhibitions on the Icelandic sagas, art and even Bobby Fischer.
4. The Golden Circle
This is one of the most popular routes that many tourists that visit the South Coast of Iceland take. It is made up of Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir hot spring and Þingvellir National Park. This trifecta gives you a taste of Iceland magnificent natural wonders.
5. Vík
Vík is a tiny town of less than 300 people in the southernmost village in Iceland. It attracts 41.5% of travelers in the winter and 56.6% of travelers in the summer. My random fact about Iceland shares some fascinating information about this town’s precarious location.
Vík
6. Sólheimajökull Glacier
This is the closest glacier to Reykjavík that you can go on. It is about 2 and a half hours from Reykjavík one way.
7. Vatnajökull National Park
Vatnajökull National park is about 4-5 hours away from Reykjavík. It is the largest glacial ice cap in Europe!
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- Svínafellsjökull is a popular glacier can be found in this national park
- Skaftafell area used to be a national park before it was absorbed into Vatnajökull’s. There are great hikes there. This is where you can find the gorgeous Svartifoss waterfall.
Skaftafell
8. Landmannalaugar
The third largest geothermal area in the world. You can hike between bubbling hot springs and take a dip in one as well.
9. Þórsmörk
Þórs Valley, a lush green area in the highlands, is absolutely magnificent
10.Reykjadalur
Reykjadalur literally translates to smoky valley. If you can’t experience Landmannalaugar’s hot spring area, I recommend taking a hike here. It is not a difficult hike and you can take a dip in a hot spring.
Nature & Wildlife
1. Waterfalls
- Some of the most famous waterfalls are Seljalandsfoss, Skógarfoss and Svartifoss.
Seljalandsfoss
2. Glaciers – There are 10 glaciers that can be found in the south
I have already mentioned Sólheimajökull, Svínafellsjökull, Vatnajökull but there are 7 more glaciers along the South Coast of Iceland. An infamous one is Eyjafjallajökull. Check out the full list in the show notes
3. Glacier lagoons
- Jökusárlón and Fjallsárlón
4. Black sand beaches
Black sand beach in Vík
5. Volcanoes
6. The Highlands
7. Hot springs
8. Mud pools
9. Lava Caves
10. Icelandic Horses
11. Lamb and sheep strolling along the roads and behind fences, when they want
12. Birds
Activities To Do Along the South Coast of Iceland
1. Glacier Walks & Ice Climbing
2. Glacier Lagoon Boat Rides
3. Hiking or trekking
4. Boat tours
5. Caving
Lava Cave
6. Diving
7. Geothermal baths
8. Horseback riding
9. Whale watching
10. Snowmobiling
11. Northern Lights
12. Jeep Tours
Just know that this is not an exhaustive list of popular places, activities and nature, but it is certainly a good start if you plan to visit the South Coast of Iceland.
Back to the question that I asked in the beginning of the episode, “Is the South Coast worth the hype?” My overall answer is yes. However, I feel that it has become so popular that it is hard to enjoy being there due the massive amount of people. My advice is to arrive early in the day or late at night, specifically during the summer. You can avoid most of the crowds and possibly capture some beautiful photos of these stunning places. Regarding the activities, you have to do the majority of them with an experienced guide but you can avoid feeling like you are being herded around like cattle by booking with a company that specializes in small group experiences.
Icelandic Word of the Episode
The Icelandic word of this episode is Þingvellir. Listen to the podcast at _________ to hear how it is pronounced and what it means. I also shared a random fact about Vík during this episode at ___________. Check it out.
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Thank you kindly for reading (and listening). See you soon!