Iceland trip | Romantic Southern Iceland

The town of Selfoss is sometimes referred to as the capital of southern Iceland, despite its relatively small size. Selfoss is about an hour's drive from Reykjavik, on Iceland's famous Ring Road. A drive along the Austurvegur road, which is surrounded by colourful buildings, takes you outside the city along the riverbanks of the glacial river. Selfoss is a good base for day trips in the surrounding area, such as the wonderful Gullfoss waterfall and the rapids of Surtsey, one of the world's new islands formed between 1963 and 1967.

The Golden Circle is a popular 300-kilometre route in south-western Iceland which takes you from the capital, Reykjavik, past several of the country’s highlights, such as Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal field.
The first stop is Thingvellir National Park, which is about an hour’s drive from Reykjavik. The park is renowned for its remarkable geology; it lies directly above the rift line between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, which is clearly visible in the landscape. The Sifra Gorge offers visitors the chance to dive or snorkel in crystal-clear glacial water right between the two continents.
The Geysir geothermal field near Haukadalur consists mainly of bubbling hot springs, fumaroles and two geysers, one of which is extremely active, spouting steaming water up to 40 metres high every 5 to 10 minutes.
Gullfoss waterfall is a place of exceptional beauty, where you’ll be amazed by the power and volume of the water as it plunges 36 metres to the ground.

Thingvellir (Þingvellir) is a vast lava field on the shores of Iceland's largest natural lake - Pingvallavatn. It lies directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are slowly sliding away from each other. It is classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site. The area around Pingvellir is of great geological value as its unique mineral-rich landscape is combined with an abundance of diverse animal and plant species.

South Iceland is a beautifully scenic region of 'The Land of Fire and Ice'. This volcanic paradise has breathtaking landscapes, a rich cultural heritage and picturesque Icelandic villages. Southern Iceland is home to the country's most popular natural attractions, including numerous volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, waterfalls and glaciers. Explore Europe's largest glacier in Vatnajokull National Park, take a boat trip past floating icebergs in the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon and catch a glimpse of the magical northern lights. Visitors can also look forward to exploring other spectacular locations, including: Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a highlight of the popular 'Golden Circle' route; the Great Geysir, one of Iceland's main attractions; and Gullfoss, a powerful two-tiered waterfall.

No matter how much you hear about the awe-inspiring natural phenomena on this island at the edge of the Arctic Circle, nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking spectacle of Iceland. Also known as 'the land of fire and ice', this small island state is characterised by contrasts and contradictions. It is a place where steaming geysers emerge from icy glaciers, where molten hot lava sprays from icy, snow-capped peaks, where the astonishing aurora borealis shines across the night sky, and where perpetually dark winters are offset by summer's beautiful midnight sun. With the exception of Reykjavik, the country's population centres are small, with small towns, fishing villages, farms and small hamlets along the coastal fringes. The centre of the country, meanwhile, remains totally uninhabited. What Icelanders lack in numbers, they certainly make up for in warmth, individuality and boundless creativity. Add to that one of the highest standards of living on earth and you simply have one of the world's most intriguing destinations.

The Reykjanes (or Southern) Peninsula is located in the southwest corner of Iceland. The Keflavík International Airport is located in this region, making almost all visitors to Iceland familiar with this area. The Reykjanes Peninsula boasts beautiful sights worth visiting. Don't miss the Blue Lagoon, a world-famous geothermal spa; the bubbling mud pools of Gunnuhver; or the 'Bridge Between Continents' at Sandvik (a structure where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet).

Keflavik is one of Iceland's larger fishing villages and contemporary part of the larger community of Reykanesbaer. Iceland's international airport is located just outside the village, making it a hub for travellers arriving or leaving the country. Cultural and recreational activities in the area are formed by an indoor swimming pool, a number of pubs, a cinema and a number of museums, including Vikingaheimar (Viking World); a Norwegian exhibition with the main attraction being a Viking boat to built in original style.

Klausturholar is situated in south-western Iceland, just east of Reykjavik. This small hamlet serves as a fantastic base from which to explore the stunning natural beauty and rich history of south-western Iceland, such as the rugged lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula. Other highlights include a visit to Selfoss, the largest village in southern Iceland; a dip in the region’s many hot springs; and taking in the spectacular Icelandic landscape.