South Iceland

Diamond Beach: A Guide to the Glacial Ice of Breidamerkursandur

A practical guide to visiting Diamond Beach on Iceland's South Coast, focusing on the mechanics of the ice, safety logistics, and managing expectations for this shifting landscape.

Dyrholaey: A Guide to the High Cliffs and Basalt Arch of the South Coast

A practical look at visiting Dyrholaey, from navigating the upper and lower parking areas to timing your visit for puffin season and managing the intense coastal winds.

Fjadrargljufur: The Serpentine Architecture of South Iceland

Carved by glacial runoff over nine millennia, Fjadrargljufur is a 100-meter deep corridor of neon-green moss and dark palagonite cliffs.

Fjallsarlon: A logistics-focused guide to the intimate glacier lagoon of the south

Located just 10 kilometers west of its famous neighbor, Fjallsarlon offers a more contained and quieter encounter with the calving ice of the Vatnajokull ice cap.

Geysir Geothermal area: Witness Iceland's Earthy Spectacle: Where Boiling Water Touches the Sky

Discover the raw, explosive power of nature at Geysir Hot Spring in Iceland's Haukadalur Valley. Stand in awe as the Strokkur geyser erupts with reliable precision, a cornerstone of the Golden Circle's geothermal wonders.

Gljufrabui: The sanctuary within the stone

A few hundred meters from the grand theater of Seljalandsfoss lies a waterfall concealed within a narrow canyon, offering a damp, intimate encounter with the raw elements of the South Coast.

Gullfoss: The thunderous descent of the Hvita river into the ancient canyon

A double-tiered glacial waterfall where the Hvita river plunges into a deep gorge, Gullfoss is a monument to Iceland's raw power and conservation history.

Haifoss: The high fall of the Thjorsardalur valley

Dropping 122 meters into a deep volcanic canyon, Haifoss and its neighbor Granni offer a powerful display of water and stone in the remote southern highlands.

Jokulsarlon: Dynamics of the glacier lagoon and Diamond Beach

Jokulsarlon is a tidal lagoon where massive icebergs drift from the Breidamerkurjokull glacier toward the sea, creating the famous ice-strewn Diamond Beach.

Kerid Crater: A vivid caldera lake on the Golden Circle route

Located in the Grimsnes area of South Iceland, Kerid Crater is a 3,000-year-old volcanic caldera known for its deep red slopes and aquamarine water.

Kvernufoss: A secluded 30-meter waterfall inside the Kvernugil canyon

Located just east of Skogafoss, Kvernufoss provides an intimate experience within a moss-covered palagonite gorge, featuring a path that leads directly behind the falling water.

Reynisfjara: Black sands, basalt pillars, and the raw power of the Atlantic

Encounter the dramatic landscape of Iceland’s most famous black sand beach, where volcanic geology meets the fierce spirit of the North Atlantic.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall: Stepping behind the 60-meter curtain of the South Coast

Follow the mist along the ancient Atlantic cliffs of South Iceland to experience Seljalandsfoss, one of the few waterfalls on earth that allows a complete traverse behind its falling waters.

Seljavallalaug: A rustic geothermal soak in a quiet mountain valley

Built in 1923, Seljavallalaug is one of Iceland’s oldest pools. Tucked away in a valley on the south coast, it offers a raw and simple experience far removed from modern luxury spas.

Skaftafell: A glacial oasis defined by volcanic history and tectonic scale

A wilderness area in Southeast Iceland where lush birch forests meet the massive outlet glaciers of the Vatnajokull ice cap.

Skogafoss waterfall: Where the ancient coastline meets a curtain of falling water

A guide to experiencing the monumental scale and sensory power of Skogafoss, including the ascent to the highlands and the serene trails that lie beyond the mist.

Solheimajokull: A study in ice and volcanic ash along Iceland's southern coast

An accessible glacier outlet of the Myrdalsjokull ice cap, Solheimajokull offers a firsthand look at the shifting landscape of Iceland's ice fields and the visible effects of a warming climate.

Solheimasandur Plane Wreck: The history and reality of Iceland's famous aviation relic

Beyond the popular photos lies a story of survival, a case of mistaken identity, and a long walk across a stark volcanic desert.

Thingvellir: A Journey Through the Rift Valley of History and Geology

Discover Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where tectonic plates drift apart and Iceland's ancient parliament once gathered amidst dramatic volcanic landscapes.

Thorsmork: A glaciated sanctuary and the resilience of the Icelandic birch

Thorsmork exists as an ecological island, shielded by three glaciers and defined by the shifting currents of the Krossa River, offering a rare glimpse into Iceland's pre-settlement landscape.

Vik: Exploring the black sands and volcanic cliffs of Iceland's southernmost village

Vik i Myrdal serves as a vital hub on the South Coast, offering a landscape of basalt columns, towering sea stacks, and a village life shaped by the nearby Katla volcano.

Signal Hill Drive

Signal Hill Drive

Vestmannaeyjar islands: Exploring the volcanic heart and wild coastlines of the Westman Islands

A cluster of islands forged by fire, Vestmannaeyjar offers a window into Iceland's volcanic resilience and the vibrant life of the world's largest puffin colony.