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.
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Visit South Iceland is responsible for tourism, marketing, and promoting events in South Iceland. The area extends from the town of Þorlákshöfn in the West to the city of Höfn in the East, with about 500 km of coastline. South Iceland has a diverse and significant nature with great attractions that are easy to access and experience all year round. The great variety and quality of services enable our guests to enjoy the best of what Iceland offers.
South Iceland is a popular destination for Iceland´s visitors. They come to see the natural attractions of Eyjafjallajökull, Þingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir, Vík, and Jökulsárlón (Glacier Lagoon), to name just a few places. Access to and around the region is direct from the international airport.
The summer season´s longer days bring cultural events and festivals, travel into the interior, and cycling, backpacking, and hiking trips. During the winter months, it is possible to take northern lights tours, horseback riding, ice-climbing, visit natural ice caves, and other outdoor activities. It is an area of tradition, culture, diverse communities, and various options for great food experiences.
Members of the Visit South Iceland team and representatives from different areas of the South will welcome you at the stand to facilitate access to a whole region of possibilities. Visit South Iceland partnership provides a wide range of services to fit your needs, whether activities, accommodation, dining, or other services.
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
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Regarding seismic activity on Reykjanes Peninsula
Information regarding the seismic activity on Reykjanes Peninsula -
Iceland at Night: Your Guide to the Northern Lights
Iceland’s dark skies and stunning landscapes make it one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. Icelandatnight.is, led by astronomy expert Sævar Helgi Bragason, provides real-time forecasts and tips to help you experience this natural wonder to the fullest. -
The Story of the Icelandic Christmas Tree
Icelanders’ love for Christmas runs deep, but the iconic Christmas tree hasn’t always been part of the tradition. In the mid-1800s, without live evergreens, Icelanders crafted their own, turning resourcefulness into a cherished holiday custom. -
Opening Hours over the Holidays
Here is an overview of the holiday opening hours for service providers in South Iceland during the holidays.
Featured Projects
The Volcanic Way
The Volcanic Way is a way to explore South Iceland and Reykjanes, focusing on volcanoes and their surroundings. Eight major volcanoes lead the way, telling you the story of how they shaped the land and its people.
The Lighthouse trail
Off the beaten track, with easy reach from Keflavik airport, lies the South Coast Lighthouse Trail. It is a travel route that draws attention to the coastal scenery south of the Golden Circle. Visit three unique seaside villages: Þorlákshöfn, Eyrarbakki, and Stokkseyri, highlighting the history and culture of the area as well as activities and nature. The route is just under 50 kilometers, stretching from Selvogsviti lighthouse to Knarrarósviti lighthouse.
Sustainability
In the heart of the Icelandic tourism sector, sustainable development is not just a goal; it's a necessity. This rings true for South Iceland, where the natural beauty and community well-being are paramount.
For tourism to truly flourish, it must sync with society and nature. This means enriching the quality of tourism experiences while respecting the limits of nature, community tolerance, and visitor enjoyment. Through our Destination Management plan, our ongoing mission is balancing society, tourism, and nature as sustainability’s three main pillars.
Upcoming events
Destination Management Plan
A destination management plan (DMP) is a holistic strategy with tourism as its starting point. The plan creates a framework for the construction and development of South Iceland as a destination.
The aim is to promote responsible tourism through sustainability, which strengthens the economy of communities, improves the quality of life of residents, enhances the experience of tourists, and mitigates the potential negative impact of the tourism industry.
Click here to see a summary of the plan
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