Travel Blog

Dyrhólaey is one of the most striking headlands on Iceland's south coast, a 120-metre-high promontory rising out of the black sand just west of Vík. Its name means "the hill with the door-hole," a reference to the massive natural arch carved through the rock by the sea. On calm days the arch is wide enough that a small plane once flew through it, a stunt pulled off by an Icelandic pilot in the 1990s that locals still talk about.

The Alaskan lupine (Lupinus nootkatensis) turns large parts of South Iceland deep purple every summer. The blooming season is short but spectacular: expect peak colour from mid-June to mid-July, with the southern coast usually flowering a week or two earlier than higher inland areas.

Puffins arrive in South Iceland in late April and stay through mid-August, with peak viewing from mid-May to early August. By the time the chicks fledge in late summer, the colonies grow quiet again until the following spring.

No multi-day treks. No F-roads. No mountain gear required. These are the most spectacular waterfalls in South Iceland, all accessible with just a short, easy walk from the car park.

To travel in Iceland is not only to move through dramatic landscapes, but also through centuries of building traditions shaped by climate, scarcity, and ingenuity. Icelandic architecture has always been closely tied to survival. Early homes had to shield people from wind, cold, and long winters, often using whatever materials were close at hand. That is part of what makes the story of Icelandic buildings so interesting for visitors today: the architecture is not just beautiful, it is deeply practical, and it tells the story of how people learned to live with nature.

In South Iceland, nature is more than a backdrop—it’s an active partner in creating some of the country’s freshest and most distinctive foods. This region is shaped by powerful geothermal forces and fertile volcanic landscapes, making it an exceptional place where innovation and tradition work hand in hand.

Iceland has become one of the world’s most popular filming destinations. Its glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, and black-sand beaches create a natural backdrop that feels otherworldly and versatile. Producers love it because within a short drive you can find landscapes that look like medieval battlefields, Himalayan peaks, or even alien planets. It’s no wonder that Icelandic nature often appears in international blockbusters.

South Iceland is one of those regions where the landscapes feel almost unfairly varied for how easy they are to reach. In a single day you can move between powerful waterfalls, black-sand beaches, glacier outlets, volcanic plains, mossy lava fields, and geothermal textures that look otherworldly. The diversity makes it a dream for photographers who like to build a portfolio with range, not just “another pretty viewpoint”.

South Iceland is one of the easiest places to explore by car, and one of the most rewarding. In a relatively compact area you can experience some of Iceland’s best known natural wonders, from roaring waterfalls and black sand beaches to geothermal hotspots, glacier views, and volcanic landscapes. It is also a region rich in history, culture, and small towns where you can slow down, swim in local pools, and eat well.

Over the past weeks, many social media posts have suggested that Reynisfjara Black Beach is “gone” or permanently damaged. That is not accurate. While natural forces have caused noticeable changes to parts of the beach, Reynisfjara remains open, accessible, and very much worth visiting.

South Iceland offers a rare combination of challenging endurance events and truly distinctive landscapes. For runners and cyclists looking to combine competition with travel, this region provides a setting that feels both remote and accessible.

Three visitors recently took home an unforgettable souvenir from South Iceland after attending the Viking Feast hosted by Caves of Hella and Hotel Rangá inside one of the ancient man made caves in Hella.