South Iceland contains many of the most popular sights, sites and road trips in the country. Close to Reykjavík is the Reykjanes Peninsula, with the Blue Lagoon, Keflavík Airport, and many wild spots and charming villages; over the Hellisheiði mountain pass lies the tranquil farmland and small towns like Hveragerði, Selfoss and Flúður. The Golden Circle and south coast roads are busy during the summer, and there are several glaciers dotting the coast and volcanoes silhouetted against the skyline. Vík í Myrdal is the halfway point, and Höfn—beneath the mighty Vatnajökull—marks the gateway to the east. To help you out along the way, here are our panel’s best South Iceland road trips.
Best Road Trip
The South Coast
Route One South
Iceland’s south coast is the road trip dreams are made of, and there are countless things to experience and discover along the way. “The whole shoreline is spectacular, and no one spot is like the other,” said the panel. “You’ll see waterfalls, lava fields, active volcanoes, black beaches, glacier tongues, flood plains, natural bathing spots, wildlife, and all the local life of the lovely seaside villages.” Whether it’s your first time of your fiftieth, it just never gets old.
Advanced Option:
Friðland að Fjallabaki
The Highlands
If you’re driving a 4×4 and it’s summertime, head to the one-off region of Friðland að Fjallabaki. “This exuberant drive takes you along an unforgettable road up into the Highlands,” said the panel. “You’ll see views that are hard to put into words.” Camp at Landmannalaugar to extend the adventure.
Easy Option:
Reykjanes Ring
Reykjavík-Grindavík-Sandgerði
The Reykjanes peninsula is a treasure trove in its own right, with many thrilling tucked away secrets—and it’s easily doable in a single day. “Drive past the Kleifarvatn lake to the Seltún geothermal area,” said the panel. “Loop past Grindavík, Gunnuhver, Reykjanesviti, Sandgerði, and back to Reykjavík. A perfect day.”
Other Categories
You can buy a copy of the full Best Of Iceland 2019 magazine—an essential guide to having fun in Iceland, from the South Iceland best road trips and onwards—here, posted worldwide. We also have a Special Offer double-pack here that also includes our Best Of Reykjavík magazine, about places to eat, see, swim, visit, and shop in the country’s capital city.
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