South Iceland contains many of the most popular trips and sightseeing tours 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 sightseeing tours.
Best Sightseeing Tour
Rib Safari
Westman Islands
The Westman Islands is an intriguing archipelago, easily reachable from the mainland by ferry. However, only one island is inhabited; the others sit scattered around it, jutting up mysteriously from the fog and spray. A Rib Safari boat tour provides a closer look at some of the smaller islands, also offering a unique perspective on the coast of Heimaey, with its majestic puffin cliffs, echoing sea caves and dazzling rock formations.
Runner Up:
Inside The Volcano
Operated by 3H-Travel
After a short hike, descend into the dormant Þríhnjúkagígar volcano and witness a side of the earth one could rarely experience. “There’s something bizarrely humbling and emotional about standing in the Rothko-esque empty belly of a volcano,” said one panellist after seeing this natural wonder.
Runner Up:
Glacier Hike
Various locations and suppliers
The best way to get up close and personal with a glacier is an guided ice hike. With an experienced glacier guide, a helmet and crampons provided, it’s safe to hike up a glacier tongue, taking in the deep blue hues and shining icefalls, and learning about glaciers’ features. Sólheimajökull and Skaftafellsjökull are both ideal.
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