Set sail for a beautiful trip during which you will visit Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital and most populated of Icelandic regions. You are north of the 64th parallel, at the gates of the polar circle. Far from the urban trials of other European metropolises, a tranquil atmosphere presides over the colourful rooftops of the “smoky bay”. Combine the trip with a visit in the Golden Circle. The Golden Circle Iceland is one of the most beautiful regions of our great island. Prepare your travel with our local agency Iceland Like a Local.
Located on a peninsula in the southwest of the coutnry, Reykjavik is the starting point for all kinds of hikes and excursions in Iceland! For a longer stay or just a weekend, dive right into the heart of Icelandic history and visit Reykjavik: discover all the cultural and artistic riches that our capital city has to offer. Once night falls, get into the local spirit with a “runtur” (Icelandic pub crawl)! Reykjavik will then reveal her other side that is both dynamic and hip! An extremely endearing city, spend at least two or three days here!
When you visit Reykjavik, you will notice that it is a city unlike any other you can discover. It is a microcosm of high-quality food, culture and, nestled as it is on Iceland’s South-Western shores, it is also the perfect hub for adventuring into the wilderness. With its small population, Reykjavik can feel like a European town, however its growing popularity with tourists from around the globe means that you can find 5-star dining and hotels alongside homely, family run business. For those wanting a quiet stroll, you cannot miss the beautiful Hljómskálagarður Gardens. And for those wanting a more exciting experience, enjoy Reykjavik’s bustling night life, catering to all tastes, from those looking for high-class dining, to authentic pubs frequented by locals and globetrotters alike. Reykjavik conjures images of unspoilt natural beauty, and its setting inspires a true sense of independence. A visit here will definitely be on your terms, and include everything you could ask for.
Check out our travel inspirations to Reykjavik and its surroundings.
Come and discover the South of the island, luckily one of the regions you can get to most easily from Reykjavik and which abounds with superb natural sites one of the greatest Iceland destinations. It’s a land where you will run out of words to describe it! From the Golden Circle Iceland to the outskirts of the Highlands, this is where the fault that runs across the island has created some of the most spectacular volcanic formations.
Southern Iceland is the location of the famous Golden Circle. The Golden Circle Iceland is a well-known route around the country through three must-see sites that have helped shape the image of this country in the world’s eyes. Geysir, a small village located inlands, gave its name to an incredibly rare geothermal event. In Gulfoss, the “golden fall” and the Hvita River combine to create a technicolour spectacle as the sun spins rainbows from the mists of the fall, accompanied by the roaring deluge of the waters. And in Thingvellir, you have a date with Icelandic history, since this is also the location of the first parliament… and the only place you can actually see the Mid Atlantic Ridge. And all in one day!
You can in fact explore to the furthest reaches of Iceland’s Golden Circle very easily, whether it is on foot, on horseback or by driving a rental 4×4. Our travel agency is at your disposal to help you discover these 3 exceptional sites the way that you personally like best. They are also ideally situated near Reykjavik. The Thingvellir National Park is approximately 50 kilometres from the Icelandic capital, and the Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir geothermal field are about 100 kilometres from the latter.
By visiting the Golden Circle Iceland, you can be sure of seeing the various different faces Iceland has to show its visitors within a very short timeframe. You will also be able to fully immerse yourself in its most unspoiled areas and wildest landscapes without having to travel thousands of miles.
Southern Iceland is also home to Hekla, Iceland’s largest volcano; Vatnajökull, the largest glacier; Elgya, the site of the biggest eruption in recorded history and Laki, the last island in the world to emerge from the sea, now part of the Westman Islands. The southern part of the island is also the most densely populated area, an incredibly welcoming region that can be visited, for the most part, all year long. Do not delay, contact us now so we create your tailor-made trip to Southern Iceland together.
Southern Iceland also boasts many very typical little villages that are well worth seeing. This is particularly the case for Vik and Skógar, located on the Atlantic coast. You will love the way that the picturesque little houses melt out of nowhere at the foot of impressive cliffs. Vik and Skógar are also close to the Eyjafjallajökull and Katla volcanoes and the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.
To explore Southern Iceland and immerse yourself completely a world that looks as though it has come straight out of a sci-fi movie, our travel agency offers you several means of transport. You can visit the area on foot, by a rental 4×4 or even on horseback should you so wish. The Landmannalaugar highlands, located more or less in the centre of Southern Iceland and not far from the Hekla volcano, are perfect for going on unforgettable hikes at the heart of a landscape that is just as unforgettable. The same goes for the smaller yet just as naturally stunning Thórsmörk region.
Travelling to Iceland, and especially to Southern Iceland, is something you should experience at least once in your life, as there are so many wonderful things to see and do.
Are you planning on discovering other of Iceland’s regions? Then check out our other pages: East region of Iceland; Iceland Golden Circle; Visit Iceland’s Highlands; Northeastern Iceland; Northwestern Iceland; Iceland’s Snaefellsnes region; Visit Iceland’s South Coast; Greenland travel; Discover the Westfjords
