Welcome to our second edition of ‘Explore the Regions’ blog series! We at Hey Iceland are all about experiencing the best that Iceland’s countryside has to offer. Hopefully our last blog about East Iceland gave you great ideas of attractions to explore. This time we enlisted the help of a true South Iceland expert and asked her to tell us about 'must see' places and locals secret favorite places in the region…

South Iceland is renowned for its beauty and one of Iceland’s most popular destinations with some of Iceland’s most diverse nature – from beautiful waterfalls, untouched highlands, and long black beaches to magnificent glaciers. This versatile landscape is ideal for winter adventures and activities such as ice climbing and glacier walking, hiking, caving, horse-riding, angling, jeep safaris and many other winter tours. We strongly recommend the area whether it is to explore stunning attractions, rich history or unique culture, it will be worth the visit!

So Valgerður, tell us about yourself:

“I live in Selfoss, the largest town in the region, where I am also born. I work at the marketing office for South Iceland as Project manager where I promote the region and everything it has to offer. I get to combine my hobby and work as I love exploring South Iceland with its wide open spaces and beautiful nature. My favorite thing to do is angling and enjoy the nature with family and friends”.

 
What are the most popular places to visit in South Iceland?  

 
Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon

The massive canyon Fjaðrárgljúfur is a popular attraction that is worth a visit. The canyon is magnificent with sheer walls and is somewhat serpentine and narrow that runs about 100 meters deep and 2 km long.

 
Photo: Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon

Katla Geopark

A natural wonderland for visitors with a landscape of mountains, black sandy beaches, green pastures and meadows as well as beautiful waterfalls and vast lava fields but each season has its own magical charm.
 

Þjóðveldisbærinn farm 

The reconstructed farm provides an opportunity to see how daily life was in the commonwealth era in Iceland.

 
Photo: Þjóðveldisbærinn farm

Þjórsárdalur valley

Þjórsárdalur valley is an amazing natural and cultural attraction that has beautiful waterfalls, Háifoss and Hjálparfoss and Gjáin, one of Iceland’s hidden gems.

 
Vík beach

The wind-beaten volcanic beach is a truly beautiful place with its black sands, other-worldly feel and tales of trolls, sea monsters and local folklore.

 
Photo: Vík beach

 
Geysir

The Geysir geothermal area includes Strokkur, the most active geyser in Iceland, which erupts up to 70 meters in the air. It is a great experience to dine at Geysir restaurant with a panoramic view of the area.

Ice caving

A true one in a lifetime experience is exploring the amazing natural wonders of Ice caves, hidden under glaciers.

  
Photo: Ice caving in South Iceland

 
What are your personal favorite places to visit or things to do in South Iceland?

• Þingvallavatn Lake, where I love to fish, the stillness there is priceless.
• Ljótipollur Lake, the crater is beautiful, red and full of trout – a hidden gem of the South highlands.
• Selfoss town and surrounding area because of closeness to nature and the opportunities to go fishing. 

 
Photo: Þingvellir
 
We thank Valgerður for her excellent tips! There are of course countless other places to explore in South Iceland but hopefully these ideas will inspire your trip. For more information see www.south.is or contact us to plan a stay in this enchanting part of Iceland.