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Visit North Iceland is responsible for marketing and promotion of North Iceland which is a friendly and tranquil area with a population of 36 thousand, including Akureyri, the largest town outside Reykjavík, and a number of historic coastal towns. Most visited attractions are Vatnajökull National Park, where you find Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall and lake Mývatn geothermal region with hot springs, volcanic areas, craters, geothermal nature baths and amazing lava formations. We have magical winters with Iceland‘s most popular ski area, energising off-piste skiing and 13 Yule Lads (Santas) on top of unique locations for Northern Lights observation.

The three areas of South Iceland

Golden Circle Area
The Golden Circle area reaches from Selvogur west of Þorlákshöfn to the east of the town of Hella, along the seaside, and into the highlands. The area is as vast as it is diverse; there is a wide variety of attractions such as Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss and Geysir, which together comprise the golden circle, the highland areas of Kerlingarfjöll, Kjölur, Sprengisandur and Landmannalaugar, Langjökull glacier and the Hekla volcano with its surrounding area, to name a few.
Katla UNESCO Global Geopark & Westman islands
Katla Geopark is Iceland’s first geopark and it opens up a natural wonderland to visitors. A top priority of the park is to protect the natural environment, promote local sustainable development, introduce local culture and place a strong emphasis on nature tourism. Katla UNESCO Global Geopark got its name from one of its most known volcanoes, Katla, which lies under the glacier Mýrdalsjökull. Katla Geopark is in every sense the land of ice and fire, with towering glaciers and active volcanoes. These forces have been shaping the land for thousands of years. This area has amazing landscapes – mountains, lakes, black beaches, green pastures and meadows, powerful glacial rivers, beautiful waterfalls and vast lava fields. The Westman Islands are a group of islands off the south coast of Iceland. They consist of 15 islands in addition to 30 cliffs and skerries that make up the archipelago. Heimaey is the largest island and the only inhabited one.
Vatnajökull region
The Vatnajökull Region reaches from majestic Lómagnúpur in the west to scenic Hvalnes cape in the east. In this area travelers can visit Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, and its surrounding area, which has a lot to offer. Vatnajökull National Park is a magnificent area that boasts incredible ice caves, magical lagoons of floating ice, and crawling outlet glaciers, some within easy reach. In the most western part of the Vatnajökull Region is Skeiðarársandur, the largest black “glacier” sand area in the world. You will be in awe while travelling along the stunning countryside in the southeast, nested between the glaciers and the Atlantic coastline. In addition, the scenic fishing town of Höfn is well worth a visit, as it is also known as the “Lobster Capital” of Iceland.

News

  • The red dot shows the area affected by the seismic events.

    Statement regarding Seismic activity on Reykjanes Peninsula

    Considering the events on the Reykjanes Peninsula, Visit South would like to shed light and convey information about the seismic events.
  • Ultimate Guide to Drone Flying in South Iceland: Rules, Tips & Must-Know Regulations

    Exploring South Iceland's beauty through a drone lens? Dive in to master the essential rules for ethical and safe aerial captures in South Iceland.
  • Lambing Season in South Iceland: A Celebration of New Life

    The Icelandic sheep holds a rich history in Iceland, dating back over a thousand years.
  • Black Sand and Basalt Columns: Discovering Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey

    Discovering Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey on Iceland's stunning south coast is an experience like no other.

Practical Information

Icelandic Water
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Icelandic Krona and Creditcard use
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Icelandic Weather
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Road Conditions in Iceland
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What to Pack for the Seasons
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Things to know about COVID-19
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