Iceland is truly an incredible place! From its dramatic volcanoes and glaciers to its stunning waterfalls, black sand beaches, and, of course, the adorable Icelandic horses – this country never fails to amaze. I've been lucky enough to visit twice, and each time has been an adventure. On my previous trips, I explored the breathtaking southern region, where I uncovered so many beautiful locations along the coast.

The southern region of Iceland is hands down one of the best areas to explore, especially for first-time visitors or anyone looking to pack in as much natural beauty as possible without spending too much time on the road. One of the biggest draws is how accessible it is – many of the top attractions are located along a relatively short stretch of road, meaning you can see a huge variety of stunning landscapes without driving for hours at a time.

The southern region of Iceland is considered the most popular to visit. This region is known for its diverse landscapes. The southern region also offers stunning black sand beaches like Reynisfjara and picturesque waterfalls such as Kvernufoss and Skogafoss.

The southern part of Iceland is absolutely perfect for traveling by car, offering an incredibly convenient and scenic road trip experience. The roads are well-maintained, and the region is easily navigable, with many of Iceland's top attractions just a short drive apart from each other. This makes it an ideal destination for those looking to explore at their own pace, without the hassle of long drives or complicated routes. *If you're traveling in winter, be sure to rent a car that’s equipped to handle snow and ice. Also, it's important to do your research on road conditions—sometimes Iceland's highways can close due to extreme wind or weather. I experienced this firsthand, and was stuck in Reykjavik for an extra two days.

The southern region is home to the capital city of Reykjavik, which serves as the gateway for most travelers entering the country. Reykjavik offers a vibrant cultural scene, a wide range of accommodation options, and easy access to various tour operators and excursion options. If you’re a foodie this is where you will get the best food in Iceland.

If you're planning a trip, here are my absolute favorite stops and must-do experiences in Iceland!

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

The black sand beaches are a must-see attraction in Iceland. The black sand is a result of volcanic activity, as it is formed from lava that has been shattered into tiny particles by the force of the sea. The contrast between the black sand and the surrounding landscapes creates amazing compositions for pictures! Reynisfjara is one of the most renowned black sand beaches in the world, offers a hauntingly beautiful coastline with its towering basalt columns and roaring waves of the North Atlantic Ocean.

Vík's Black Sand Beach

The stunning seaside village of Vík is home to another mesmerizing black sand beach, offering panoramic views of the Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks and the vast expanse of the open ocean. It is a potentially dangerous spot. The waves here are powerful and unpredictable, with strong currents and sneaker waves that can catch you off guard. Always stay a safe distance from the water, heed local warnings, and follow safety guidelines when visiting. Respect the natural beauty, but prioritize your safety above all! Iceland is rugged, be prepared and stay safe.

Skógafoss & Kvernufoss Waterfall

Skógafoss is one of the more popular waterfalls in Iceland. The thundering cascade of this waterfall plunges 60 meters from the heath above. The misty spray and the sheer power of the waterfall create a mesmerizing spectacle, you can even walk up and get super close to it. Kvernufoss is a hidden gem nestled near Skógafoss . This waterfall requires more of a hike to reach compared to Skógafoss. The hidden waterfall provides a tranquil and secluded natural wonder to explore. It remains relatively undiscovered by tourists compared to other attractions.

Visit a Glacier

A glacier tour in Iceland is a must when traveling to Iceland. You get to explore stunning ice caves, towering glaciers, and sparkling ice formations, all while learning about these incredible landscapes from expert guides. Whether hiking or simply soaking in the views, it's an unforgettable experience you won't want to miss! The glacier ice is so vibrant blue in person, it’s nearly impossible to capture its true color in photos.

A glacier tour in Iceland offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience because these glaciers are constantly changing and evolving. Due to Iceland’s unique climate and geography, many of the glaciers you’ll visit are different each year, with some retreating or reshaping dramatically. If you do book a tour I recommend Ice Pic Journeys.

Diamond Beach & Glacier Lagoon

Diamond Beach and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon are two of Iceland’s most stunning natural wonders, and the best part? They’re right across the road from each other, so you can experience both in one stop! At Jökulsárlón, massive icebergs break off from the Vatnajökull glacier and float in the lagoon, creating a surreal scene of sparkling blue and white ice against the dark water. Just a short walk across the road, at Diamond Beach, those same icebergs wash up on the black sand shore.

What makes Diamond Beach so special is how clear the ice is—some pieces are so pure and transparent, they look like shards of glass. It’s incredibly fun to get up close to the icebergs.

Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck

You can hike or take a tour bus to the plane wreck. The hike to the Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck takes you across a desolate black sand desert, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) one way. The wreck is the remains of a 1973 U.S. Navy DC-3 plane that crashed after running out of fuel. Though eerie, the abandoned plane set against Iceland's rugged landscape makes for an unforgettable and haunting photo opportunity. Be sure to check the weather before heading out!

Experience a Hot Spring

Looking to unwind and relax during your trip? Iceland is home to many of the world’s best hot springs, fueled by geothermal activity. Soaking in these natural pools is a must-do when visiting Iceland, as they offer a relaxing and unique experience. Hot springs have been used for their therapeutic benefits for centuries, and Iceland’s offer stunning backdrops. I visited Blue Lagoon while I was there but if I go back I would love to check out a different hot spring. I would check out the fairly new Sky Lagoon which is 16 minutes from Reykjavik!

Stokksnes

If you have extra time, be sure to explore Stokksnes, located at the southeastern tip of Iceland. It was my favorite spot in all of Iceland. Take in the magnificent views of Vestrahorn Mountain on a black sand beach. This location attracts visitors who are seeking an authentic and less crowded Icelandic experience. It is defintely difficult to get to, but SO worth it.

Icelandic Horses

Another experience you should have in Iceland is finding the horses! The CUTE Icelandic horses are a distinctive and beloved part of the country’s landscape. They are smaller than the average horse, they have a sturdy build and thick, shaggy coats that help them survive Iceland's harsh winters. As you drive through the countryside, you'll likely spot them grazing by the side of the road or roaming in the fields. With their calm demeanor and unique look, they great subjects for photos.

Exploring Southern Iceland